Note: To all my readers, this will be the last day for a blog for awhile until I get moved and can get a computer to continue God's work. I am sorry. I will try to get back on as soon as I can. Thank you all again for reading my blogs. I appreciate it very much. God bless you all!
GENEROSITY BRINGS HAPPINESS
There is happiness in being generous, whereas greedy persons will not "inherit God's Kingdom." (1 Corinthians 6:10) A common form of greed is gambling, which is an attempt to make money through the losses of others. Jehovah does not approve of those who are "greedy of dishonest gain." (1 Timothy 3:8) Even where gambling is legal and a person gambles for fun, he could become addicted and be promoting a practice that has ruined many lives. Gambling often brings hardship to the gambler's family, who maybe left with little money to buy such necessities as food and clothing. - 1 Timothy 6:10.
Because of their loving generosity, Christians find joy in assisting others, especially needy fellow believers. (James 2:15, 16) Before Jesus came to earth, he observed God's generosity toward mankind. (Acts 14:16, 17) Jesus himself gave his time, his talents and even his life in behalf of humankind. Hence, he was well qualified to say: "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." (Acts 20:35) Jesus also spoke well of the poor widow who generously put two small coins in the temple treasure chest, for she gave "her whole living." (Mark 12:41-44) The ancient Israelites and the first-century Christians provide examples of joyful generosity in giving material support to the congregation and the Kingdom work. (1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Corinthians 9:11-14) In addition to making material contributions for these purposes, present-day Christians happily offer praise to God and to use their lives in his service. (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15) Jehovah blesses them for using their time,energy and other resources,including their funds, to support true worship and promote the worldwide work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. -Proverbs 3:9, 10.
Next time: OTHER FACTORS PROMOTING HAPPINESS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
11.05.2011
Chapter 13 -WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS
HONESTY RESULTS IN HAPPINESS
Jehovah is "the God of truth." (Psalm 31:5) No doubt, you desire to follow his example and be known as a truthful person. Honesty leads to self-respect and a feeling of well-being. Because dishonesty is some common in this sinful world, however, Christians need this reminder: "Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor . . .Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work . . . that he may have something to distribute to someone in need." (Ephesians 4:25, 28) Christian employees do an honest day's work. Unless their employer give permission, they do not take up things that belong to him. Whether at work, in school, or at home, a worshiper of Jehovah must be 'honest in all things.' (Hebrews 13:18) Anyone who makes it a practice to lie or steal cannot have God's favor. -Deuteronomy 5:19; Revelation 21:8.
Being honest results in many blessings. Selina is a needy African widow who loves Jehovah God and his righteous principles. One day, she found a bag containing a bankbook and a large sum of money. Using a telephone directory, she was able to find the owner-a storekeeper who had been robbed. The man could not believe his eyes when Selina, though quite sick, visited him and returned the full contents of the bag. "Such honesty must be rewarded," he said and handed her a sum of money. More important, this man praised Selina's religion. Yes, honest deeds adorn Bible teaching, glorify Jehovah God, and bring happiness to his honest worshipers. -Titus 2:10; 1 Peter 2:12.
Next time: GENEROSITY BRINGS HAPPINESS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Jehovah is "the God of truth." (Psalm 31:5) No doubt, you desire to follow his example and be known as a truthful person. Honesty leads to self-respect and a feeling of well-being. Because dishonesty is some common in this sinful world, however, Christians need this reminder: "Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor . . .Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work . . . that he may have something to distribute to someone in need." (Ephesians 4:25, 28) Christian employees do an honest day's work. Unless their employer give permission, they do not take up things that belong to him. Whether at work, in school, or at home, a worshiper of Jehovah must be 'honest in all things.' (Hebrews 13:18) Anyone who makes it a practice to lie or steal cannot have God's favor. -Deuteronomy 5:19; Revelation 21:8.
Being honest results in many blessings. Selina is a needy African widow who loves Jehovah God and his righteous principles. One day, she found a bag containing a bankbook and a large sum of money. Using a telephone directory, she was able to find the owner-a storekeeper who had been robbed. The man could not believe his eyes when Selina, though quite sick, visited him and returned the full contents of the bag. "Such honesty must be rewarded," he said and handed her a sum of money. More important, this man praised Selina's religion. Yes, honest deeds adorn Bible teaching, glorify Jehovah God, and bring happiness to his honest worshipers. -Titus 2:10; 1 Peter 2:12.
Next time: GENEROSITY BRINGS HAPPINESS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Chapter 13 -WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS
JEHOVAH is "the happy God," and he wants you to enjoy life. (1 Timothy 1:1) By walking in his way, you can benefit yourself and experience tranquility that is deep and lasting,m like an ever flowing river. Walking in God's way also moves one to perform continuous acts of righteousness. "like the waves of the sea." This brings true happiness. -Isaiah 48:17, 18.
Some may object, 'People sometimes suffer for doing what is right.' True, and that is what happened to Jesus' apostles. Although persecuted, however, they rejoiced and went on "declaring the good news about the Christ." (Acts 5:40-42) We can learn important lessons from this. One is that our living a godly life does not guarantee that we will always be treated well. "In fact," wrote the apostle Paul, "all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) The reason for this is that Satan and his world are opposed to those who live a godly way. (John 15:18, 19; 1 Peter 5:8) But genuine happiness is not dependent on external things. Rather, it comes from a conviction that we are doing what is right and therefore have God's smile of approval. -Matthew 5:10-12; James 1:2, 3; 1 Peter 4:13, 14.
There are people who feel that they can earn God's favor through occasional acts of devotion but can forget about him at other times. True worship of Jehovah God is not like that. It affects a person's conduct throughout all his waking hours, from day to day, year after year. That is why it is called "The Way." (Acts 19:9; Isaiah 30:21) It is a godly way of living that calls upon us to speak and act in harmony with God's Word.
When new students of the Bible see that they need to make some changes in order to please Jehovah, they may wonder, 'Is a godly life really worth living?' You can be sure that it is. Why? because "God is love," and his ways are therefore meant to benefit us. (1 John 4:8) God is also wise and knows what is best for us. Since Jehovah God is almighty, he is able to strenghten us to fulfill our desire to please him by breaking a bad habit. (Philippians 4:13) Let us consider some principles involved in godly living and see how applying them brings happiness.
Next time: HONESTY RESULTS IN HAPPINESS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Some may object, 'People sometimes suffer for doing what is right.' True, and that is what happened to Jesus' apostles. Although persecuted, however, they rejoiced and went on "declaring the good news about the Christ." (Acts 5:40-42) We can learn important lessons from this. One is that our living a godly life does not guarantee that we will always be treated well. "In fact," wrote the apostle Paul, "all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) The reason for this is that Satan and his world are opposed to those who live a godly way. (John 15:18, 19; 1 Peter 5:8) But genuine happiness is not dependent on external things. Rather, it comes from a conviction that we are doing what is right and therefore have God's smile of approval. -Matthew 5:10-12; James 1:2, 3; 1 Peter 4:13, 14.
There are people who feel that they can earn God's favor through occasional acts of devotion but can forget about him at other times. True worship of Jehovah God is not like that. It affects a person's conduct throughout all his waking hours, from day to day, year after year. That is why it is called "The Way." (Acts 19:9; Isaiah 30:21) It is a godly way of living that calls upon us to speak and act in harmony with God's Word.
When new students of the Bible see that they need to make some changes in order to please Jehovah, they may wonder, 'Is a godly life really worth living?' You can be sure that it is. Why? because "God is love," and his ways are therefore meant to benefit us. (1 John 4:8) God is also wise and knows what is best for us. Since Jehovah God is almighty, he is able to strenghten us to fulfill our desire to please him by breaking a bad habit. (Philippians 4:13) Let us consider some principles involved in godly living and see how applying them brings happiness.
Next time: HONESTY RESULTS IN HAPPINESS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
11.04.2011
Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
KEEP UP YOUR FIGHT AGAINST WICKED SPIRITS
Even after taking these basic steps, however, some have been troubled by wicked spirits. For instance, one man in Cote de'Ivoire studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and destroyed all his amulets. Thereafter, he made fine progress, dedicated his life to Jehovah, and was baptized. But a week after his baptism, the demons began to trouble him again, and voices told him to abandoned his newfound faith. If this happened to you, would it mean you had lost Jehovah's protection? Not necessarily.
Though the perfect man Jesus Christ had divine protection, he heard the voice of the wicked spirit creature Satan the Devil. Jesus showed what to do in such a case. He told the Devil: "Go away, Satan!" (Matthew 4:3-10) In like manner, you should refuse to listen to voices from the spirit world. Resist wicked spirits by calling on Jehovah for help. Yes, pray aloud using God's name. Proverbs 18:10 says: "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." The Christian name in Cote d'Ivoire did this, and the wicked spirits stopped harassing him. -Proverbs 124:8; 145:18.
Jehovah has allowed the wicked spirits to remain in existence,but he shows his power, particularly in behalf of his people., and his name is being declared in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16) if you stay close to God, you need not fear wicked spirits. (Numbers 23:21, 23; James 4:7, 8; 2 Peter 2:9) Their power is limited. They were punished in Noah's day, were cast out of heaven in recent times, and are now awaiting final judgment. (Jude 6; Revelation 12:9; 2:1-3, 7-10, 14) In fact, they dread their coming destruction. (James 2:19) So whether wicked spirits try to attract you with some kind of bait or attack you in any way, you can resist them. (2 Corinthians 2:11) Shun every form of spiritism, apply the counsel of God's Word, and seek Jehovah's approval. Do this without delay, for your life depends on your resisting wicked spirit forces!
Next time: Chapter 13 -WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Even after taking these basic steps, however, some have been troubled by wicked spirits. For instance, one man in Cote de'Ivoire studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and destroyed all his amulets. Thereafter, he made fine progress, dedicated his life to Jehovah, and was baptized. But a week after his baptism, the demons began to trouble him again, and voices told him to abandoned his newfound faith. If this happened to you, would it mean you had lost Jehovah's protection? Not necessarily.
Though the perfect man Jesus Christ had divine protection, he heard the voice of the wicked spirit creature Satan the Devil. Jesus showed what to do in such a case. He told the Devil: "Go away, Satan!" (Matthew 4:3-10) In like manner, you should refuse to listen to voices from the spirit world. Resist wicked spirits by calling on Jehovah for help. Yes, pray aloud using God's name. Proverbs 18:10 says: "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." The Christian name in Cote d'Ivoire did this, and the wicked spirits stopped harassing him. -Proverbs 124:8; 145:18.
Jehovah has allowed the wicked spirits to remain in existence,but he shows his power, particularly in behalf of his people., and his name is being declared in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16) if you stay close to God, you need not fear wicked spirits. (Numbers 23:21, 23; James 4:7, 8; 2 Peter 2:9) Their power is limited. They were punished in Noah's day, were cast out of heaven in recent times, and are now awaiting final judgment. (Jude 6; Revelation 12:9; 2:1-3, 7-10, 14) In fact, they dread their coming destruction. (James 2:19) So whether wicked spirits try to attract you with some kind of bait or attack you in any way, you can resist them. (2 Corinthians 2:11) Shun every form of spiritism, apply the counsel of God's Word, and seek Jehovah's approval. Do this without delay, for your life depends on your resisting wicked spirit forces!
Next time: Chapter 13 -WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS
What is one way that you can resist wicked spirits and protect yourself and your family from their snares? First-century Christians in Ephesus who had practiced spiritism before becoming believers took positive steps. We read that "quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody." (Acts 19:19) Even if you have not practiced spiritism, get rid of anything having spiritistic uses or overtones. This includes books, magazines, videos, musical recordings and objects used for spiritistic purposes. Also included are idols (statues, pictures/posters) amulets (crosses) and other items worn for protection and gifts received from practicers of spiritism. (Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 100:21) To illustrate: A married couple in Thailand had long been harassed by demons. then they got rid of objects associated with spiritism. What was the result? They were relieved of the demonic attacks and thereafter made real spiritual progress.
In order to resist wicked spirits, another necessary step is to apply the apostle Paul's counsel to put on the complete suit of God-given spiritual armor. (Ephesians 6:1-17) Christians must fortify their defenses against wicked spirits. What does this step include? "Above all things," said Paul, "take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles." Indeed, the stronger your faith, the greater will be your ability to resist wicked spirit forces. -Matthew 17:14-20..
How can you strengthen your faith? By continuing to study the Bible and apply its counsel in your life the strength of one's faith depends largely on the firmness of its base-the knowledge of God. Do you not agree that the accurate knowledge you have gained and taken to heart as you have studied the Bible has built up your faith? (Romans 10:10, 17) No doubt, therefore, as you continue this study and make it your custom to attend the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses, your faith will be fortified even more. (Romans 1:11, 12; Colossians 2:6, 7) It will be a mighty bulwark against demon attacks. - 1 John 5:5.
What further steps might be taken by a person who is determined to resist wicked spirit forces? Ephesian Christians needed protection because they lived in a city infested with demonism. Hence, Paul told them: "Carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit." (Ephesians 6:18) Since we live in a demon-infested world, praying intensely for God's protection is essential in resisting wicked spirits. (Matthew 6:13) Helpful in this regard is the spiritual assistance and prayers of appointed elders in the Christian congregation.James 5:13-15.
Next time: KEEP UP YOUR FIGHT AGAINST WICKED SPIRITS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
What is one way that you can resist wicked spirits and protect yourself and your family from their snares? First-century Christians in Ephesus who had practiced spiritism before becoming believers took positive steps. We read that "quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody." (Acts 19:19) Even if you have not practiced spiritism, get rid of anything having spiritistic uses or overtones. This includes books, magazines, videos, musical recordings and objects used for spiritistic purposes. Also included are idols (statues, pictures/posters) amulets (crosses) and other items worn for protection and gifts received from practicers of spiritism. (Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 100:21) To illustrate: A married couple in Thailand had long been harassed by demons. then they got rid of objects associated with spiritism. What was the result? They were relieved of the demonic attacks and thereafter made real spiritual progress.
In order to resist wicked spirits, another necessary step is to apply the apostle Paul's counsel to put on the complete suit of God-given spiritual armor. (Ephesians 6:1-17) Christians must fortify their defenses against wicked spirits. What does this step include? "Above all things," said Paul, "take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles." Indeed, the stronger your faith, the greater will be your ability to resist wicked spirit forces. -Matthew 17:14-20..
How can you strengthen your faith? By continuing to study the Bible and apply its counsel in your life the strength of one's faith depends largely on the firmness of its base-the knowledge of God. Do you not agree that the accurate knowledge you have gained and taken to heart as you have studied the Bible has built up your faith? (Romans 10:10, 17) No doubt, therefore, as you continue this study and make it your custom to attend the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses, your faith will be fortified even more. (Romans 1:11, 12; Colossians 2:6, 7) It will be a mighty bulwark against demon attacks. - 1 John 5:5.
What further steps might be taken by a person who is determined to resist wicked spirit forces? Ephesian Christians needed protection because they lived in a city infested with demonism. Hence, Paul told them: "Carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit." (Ephesians 6:18) Since we live in a demon-infested world, praying intensely for God's protection is essential in resisting wicked spirits. (Matthew 6:13) Helpful in this regard is the spiritual assistance and prayers of appointed elders in the Christian congregation.James 5:13-15.
Next time: KEEP UP YOUR FIGHT AGAINST WICKED SPIRITS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
11.03.2011
Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
FROM ATTRACTING TO ATTACKING
When you comply with the counsel of God's Word regarding spiritism, you spurn the bait of demons. (Compare Psalm 141:9, 10; Romans 12:9) Does this mean that wicked spirits will stop trying to capture you? By no means! After tempting Jesus three times, Satan "retired from him until another convenient time." (Luke 4:13) Similarly, obstinate spirits not only attract people but also attack them.
Recall our earlier consideration of Satan's attack on God's servant Job. The Devil caused the loss of his livestock and the death of most of his servants. Satan even killed Job's children. Next, he struck Job himself with a painful disease. But Job kept his integrity to God and was greatly blessed. (Job 1:7-19; 2:7, 8; 42:12) Since then, the demons have made some people speechless or blind and have continued to revel in the suffering of humans. (Matthew 9:32, 33; 12:22; Mark 5:2-5) Today, reports show that demons sexually harass some and drive others to insanity. They incite still others to murder and suicide, which are sins against God. (Deuteronomy 5:17; 1 John 3:15) Nonetheless, thousands of people once ensnared by these wicked spirits have been able to break free. How has this been possible for them? They have done so by taking vital steps.
Next time: HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
When you comply with the counsel of God's Word regarding spiritism, you spurn the bait of demons. (Compare Psalm 141:9, 10; Romans 12:9) Does this mean that wicked spirits will stop trying to capture you? By no means! After tempting Jesus three times, Satan "retired from him until another convenient time." (Luke 4:13) Similarly, obstinate spirits not only attract people but also attack them.
Recall our earlier consideration of Satan's attack on God's servant Job. The Devil caused the loss of his livestock and the death of most of his servants. Satan even killed Job's children. Next, he struck Job himself with a painful disease. But Job kept his integrity to God and was greatly blessed. (Job 1:7-19; 2:7, 8; 42:12) Since then, the demons have made some people speechless or blind and have continued to revel in the suffering of humans. (Matthew 9:32, 33; 12:22; Mark 5:2-5) Today, reports show that demons sexually harass some and drive others to insanity. They incite still others to murder and suicide, which are sins against God. (Deuteronomy 5:17; 1 John 3:15) Nonetheless, thousands of people once ensnared by these wicked spirits have been able to break free. How has this been possible for them? They have done so by taking vital steps.
Next time: HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
HOW WICKED SPIRITS TRY TO MISLEAD YOU
If you have been taught that some forms of spiritism are means of contacting good spirits, you may be surprised to learn what the Bible says about spiritism. Jehovah's people were warned: "Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them." (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27) The Bible book of Revelation gives the warning that "those practicing spiritism" will end up in "the lake of fire and sulphur. This means the second [everlasting] death." (Revelation 21:8; 22:15) All forms of spiritism are disapproved by Jehovah God. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Why is that the case?
Jehovah sent good spirits, or righteous angels, to communicate with some humans before the Bible was completed. Since its completion, God's Word has provided the guidance humans need to serve Jehovah acceptably. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 1:1, 2) He does no bypass his holy Word by giving messages to mediums. All such present-day messages from the spirit world comes from wicked spirits. The practice of spiritism can lead to demon harassment or even possession by wicked spirits. Therefore, God lovingly warns us not to get involved in any spiritistic practices. (Deuteronomy 18:14; Galatians 5:19-21) Moreover, if we continue to practice spiritism after knowing Jehovah's view of it, we would become enemies of God. -1 Samuel 15:23; 1Chronicles 10:13, 14; Psalm 5:4.
One popular form of spiritism is divination-attempting to find out about the future or the unknown with the help of spirits. Some forms of divination are astrology, Crystal-ball gazing, interpretation of dreams, palmistry, and fortune-telling with the use of tarot card. Many view divination as harmless fun, but the Bible shows that fortune-tellers and wicked spirits go and in hand. For example, Acts 16:16-19 mentions "a demon of divination" that enabled a certain girl to practice "the art of prediction." However, her ability to foretell the future was lost when the demon was expelled. Clearly, divination is a bait used by the demons to lure people into their trap.
If you are grieving over the death of a beloved family member or a close friend, you could easily be enticed by another bait. A spirit medium may give you special information or may speak in a voice that seems to be that of the dead person. Beware! Attempts to communicate with the dead lead into a trap. Why? Because the dead cannot speak. As you no doubt recall, God's Word plainly says that at death a person "goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish." The dead "are conscious of nothing at all." (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) Moreover, it is actually the demons who have been known to imitate the voice of the deceased and give a spirit medium information about the one who has died. (1 Samuel 28:3-19) So "anyone who inquires of the dead" is being entrapped by wicked spirits and is acting contrary to the will of Jehovah God. -Deuteronomy 18:11, 12; Isaiah 8:19.
Next time: FROM ATTRACTING TO ATTACKING
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
If you have been taught that some forms of spiritism are means of contacting good spirits, you may be surprised to learn what the Bible says about spiritism. Jehovah's people were warned: "Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them." (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27) The Bible book of Revelation gives the warning that "those practicing spiritism" will end up in "the lake of fire and sulphur. This means the second [everlasting] death." (Revelation 21:8; 22:15) All forms of spiritism are disapproved by Jehovah God. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Why is that the case?
Jehovah sent good spirits, or righteous angels, to communicate with some humans before the Bible was completed. Since its completion, God's Word has provided the guidance humans need to serve Jehovah acceptably. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 1:1, 2) He does no bypass his holy Word by giving messages to mediums. All such present-day messages from the spirit world comes from wicked spirits. The practice of spiritism can lead to demon harassment or even possession by wicked spirits. Therefore, God lovingly warns us not to get involved in any spiritistic practices. (Deuteronomy 18:14; Galatians 5:19-21) Moreover, if we continue to practice spiritism after knowing Jehovah's view of it, we would become enemies of God. -1 Samuel 15:23; 1Chronicles 10:13, 14; Psalm 5:4.
One popular form of spiritism is divination-attempting to find out about the future or the unknown with the help of spirits. Some forms of divination are astrology, Crystal-ball gazing, interpretation of dreams, palmistry, and fortune-telling with the use of tarot card. Many view divination as harmless fun, but the Bible shows that fortune-tellers and wicked spirits go and in hand. For example, Acts 16:16-19 mentions "a demon of divination" that enabled a certain girl to practice "the art of prediction." However, her ability to foretell the future was lost when the demon was expelled. Clearly, divination is a bait used by the demons to lure people into their trap.
If you are grieving over the death of a beloved family member or a close friend, you could easily be enticed by another bait. A spirit medium may give you special information or may speak in a voice that seems to be that of the dead person. Beware! Attempts to communicate with the dead lead into a trap. Why? Because the dead cannot speak. As you no doubt recall, God's Word plainly says that at death a person "goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish." The dead "are conscious of nothing at all." (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) Moreover, it is actually the demons who have been known to imitate the voice of the deceased and give a spirit medium information about the one who has died. (1 Samuel 28:3-19) So "anyone who inquires of the dead" is being entrapped by wicked spirits and is acting contrary to the will of Jehovah God. -Deuteronomy 18:11, 12; Isaiah 8:19.
Next time: FROM ATTRACTING TO ATTACKING
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
11.02.2011
Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
WICKED SPIRITS - THEIR ORIGIN AND TARGET
Jehovah God made a multitude of spirit creatures long before he created humans. (Job 38:4, 7) As explained in Chapter 6, one of these angels developed a desire to have humans worship him instead of worshiping Jehovah. Pursuing that objective, this wicked angel resisted and slandered the Creator, even suggesting to the first woman that God was a liar. Fittingly, then, this rebellious spirit creature became known as Satan (resister) the Devil (slanderer). -Genesis 3:1-5; Job 1:6.
Later, other angels sided with Satan the Devil. In the days of the righteous man Noah, some of these abandoned their service in heaven and took on fleshly bodies to satisfy their lust for sexual relations with earthly women. Satan no doubt influenced those angels to take that disobedient course. It led their fathering the hybrid called Nephilim, who became violent bullies. When Jehovah caused the great Deluge, it destroyed corrupted mankind and this unnatural progeny of the disobedient angels. The rebellious angels escaped destruction by dematerializing their fleshly bodies and returning to the spirit realm. But God restrained these demons by treating them as outcasts in spiritual darkness. (Genesis 6:1-7, 17; Jude 6) Satan, "the ruler of the demons," and his wicked angels nevertheless have pushed on with their rebellion. (Luke 11:15) What is their goal?
The evil objective of Satan and the demons is to turn people against Jehovah God. Hence, these wicked ones have been misleading, frightening and assaulting people throughout human history. (Revelation 12:9) Modern-day examples confirm that demon aggression is more vicious now than it has ever been. To entrap people, the demons often use spiritism in all its forms. how do the demons use this bait, and how can you defend yourself?
Next time:HOW WICKED SPIRITS TRY TO MISLEAD YOU
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Jehovah God made a multitude of spirit creatures long before he created humans. (Job 38:4, 7) As explained in Chapter 6, one of these angels developed a desire to have humans worship him instead of worshiping Jehovah. Pursuing that objective, this wicked angel resisted and slandered the Creator, even suggesting to the first woman that God was a liar. Fittingly, then, this rebellious spirit creature became known as Satan (resister) the Devil (slanderer). -Genesis 3:1-5; Job 1:6.
Later, other angels sided with Satan the Devil. In the days of the righteous man Noah, some of these abandoned their service in heaven and took on fleshly bodies to satisfy their lust for sexual relations with earthly women. Satan no doubt influenced those angels to take that disobedient course. It led their fathering the hybrid called Nephilim, who became violent bullies. When Jehovah caused the great Deluge, it destroyed corrupted mankind and this unnatural progeny of the disobedient angels. The rebellious angels escaped destruction by dematerializing their fleshly bodies and returning to the spirit realm. But God restrained these demons by treating them as outcasts in spiritual darkness. (Genesis 6:1-7, 17; Jude 6) Satan, "the ruler of the demons," and his wicked angels nevertheless have pushed on with their rebellion. (Luke 11:15) What is their goal?
The evil objective of Satan and the demons is to turn people against Jehovah God. Hence, these wicked ones have been misleading, frightening and assaulting people throughout human history. (Revelation 12:9) Modern-day examples confirm that demon aggression is more vicious now than it has ever been. To entrap people, the demons often use spiritism in all its forms. how do the demons use this bait, and how can you defend yourself?
Next time:HOW WICKED SPIRITS TRY TO MISLEAD YOU
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
RIGHT after his baptism, Jesus Christ went into the Judean wilderness to pray and meditate. There Satan the Devil tried to get him to break God's Law. However, Jesus rejected the Devil's bait and did not get caught in his trap. Jesus faced other wicked spirits during his ministry on earth. Yet, time and again, he rebuked and resisted them. -Luke 4:1-13; 8:26-34; 9:37-43.
Bible accounts describing those encounters should convince us that wicked spirit forces do exist. They try to mislead people. However, we can resist these evil spirits. But where do wicked spirits come from? Why do they try to deceive humans? And what methods do they use to achieve their ends? Finding the answers to such questions as these will help you to resist wicked spirit forces.
Next time: WICKED SPIRITS-THEIR ORIGIN AND TARGET
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Bible accounts describing those encounters should convince us that wicked spirit forces do exist. They try to mislead people. However, we can resist these evil spirits. But where do wicked spirits come from? Why do they try to deceive humans? And what methods do they use to achieve their ends? Finding the answers to such questions as these will help you to resist wicked spirit forces.
Next time: WICKED SPIRITS-THEIR ORIGIN AND TARGET
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
11.01.2011
Chapte 11 -THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS!
To all my readers: I will be moving, again, on the 13th of this month, so, if you do not see a blog, that is because my roommate has moved and took the computer and until I get one after I move, I am sorry, but there will not be any blogs for awhile. Be patient. I hope after I get settled, I will be able to get a computer and continue my blogs. It is my mission to get God's Word out there, so those who read my blogs will get the TRUE KNOWLEDGE of God's purpose. Thank you so much for reading my blogs. Hopefully it won't take as long as I may think to get a computer. Until my roommate moves I will be writing my blogs.
RESPOND TO THE EVIDENCE
How will this system end? The Bible foretells a "great political element upon "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion. (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 17:5, 16) Jesus said that during this period 'the sun would be darkened, and the moon would not give its light, ad the stars would fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens would be shaken.' (Matthew 24:29) This may denote literal celestial phenomena. In any case, the shining lights of the religious world will be exposed and eliminated. Then Satan, called "Gog of the land of Magog," will use corrupted humans in making an all-out assault upon Jehovah's people. But Satan will not succeed, for God will come to their rescue. (Ezekiel 38:1, 2, 14-23) "The great tribulation" will reach its climax in Armageddon, "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." It will clean out very last vestige of Satan's earthly organization, opening the way for endless blessings to flow to surviving mankind. - Revelation 7:9, 14, 11:15; 16:14, 16; 21:3, 4.
By themselves, some features of the prophecies describing the last days might seem to apply to other period of history. But when combined, the prophesied evidences pinpoint our day. To illustrate: The lings making up a person's fingerprint form a pattern that cannot belong to any other individual. Similarly, the last days have their own pattern of marks or happening. These form a "fingerprint" that cannot belong to any other time period. When considered along with Bible indications that God's heavenly Kingdom is now ruling, the evidence provides a solid basis for concluding that these are indeed the last days. Moreover, there is clear Scriptural proof that the present wicked system will soon be destroyed.
How will you respond to the evidence that these are the last days? Consider this: If a fiercely destructive storm is impending, we take precautionary measures without delay. Well, what the Bible foretells for this present system should move us to action. (Matthew 16:1-3) We can clearly see that we are living in the last days of t his world system. This should motivate us to make any adjustments necessary to gain God's favor. (2 Peter 3:3, 10-12) Referring to himself as the agent for salvation, Jesus sounds the urgent call: Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon your as a snare. For it will come in upon those dwelling upon the face of the earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man." -Luke 21:34-36.
Next time: RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
RESPOND TO THE EVIDENCE
How will this system end? The Bible foretells a "great political element upon "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion. (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 17:5, 16) Jesus said that during this period 'the sun would be darkened, and the moon would not give its light, ad the stars would fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens would be shaken.' (Matthew 24:29) This may denote literal celestial phenomena. In any case, the shining lights of the religious world will be exposed and eliminated. Then Satan, called "Gog of the land of Magog," will use corrupted humans in making an all-out assault upon Jehovah's people. But Satan will not succeed, for God will come to their rescue. (Ezekiel 38:1, 2, 14-23) "The great tribulation" will reach its climax in Armageddon, "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." It will clean out very last vestige of Satan's earthly organization, opening the way for endless blessings to flow to surviving mankind. - Revelation 7:9, 14, 11:15; 16:14, 16; 21:3, 4.
By themselves, some features of the prophecies describing the last days might seem to apply to other period of history. But when combined, the prophesied evidences pinpoint our day. To illustrate: The lings making up a person's fingerprint form a pattern that cannot belong to any other individual. Similarly, the last days have their own pattern of marks or happening. These form a "fingerprint" that cannot belong to any other time period. When considered along with Bible indications that God's heavenly Kingdom is now ruling, the evidence provides a solid basis for concluding that these are indeed the last days. Moreover, there is clear Scriptural proof that the present wicked system will soon be destroyed.
How will you respond to the evidence that these are the last days? Consider this: If a fiercely destructive storm is impending, we take precautionary measures without delay. Well, what the Bible foretells for this present system should move us to action. (Matthew 16:1-3) We can clearly see that we are living in the last days of t his world system. This should motivate us to make any adjustments necessary to gain God's favor. (2 Peter 3:3, 10-12) Referring to himself as the agent for salvation, Jesus sounds the urgent call: Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon your as a snare. For it will come in upon those dwelling upon the face of the earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man." -Luke 21:34-36.
Next time: RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Chapte 11 -THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS!
"Ruining the earth." (Revelation 11:18) More than 1,600 scientists, including 104 Nobel laureates, from around the world endorsed a warning, issued by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) that stated: "Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course . . . . No more than a few decades remain before the chance to avert the threats will be lost." The report said that man's life-threatening practices "may so alter the world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know." Ozone depletion, water pollution, deforestation, loss of soil productivity, and the extinction of many animal and plant species were cited as urgent problems that must be addressed. "Our tampering with the interdependent web of life," said the UCS, "could trigger widespread effects, including collapses of biological systems whose dynamics we imperfectly understand."
"This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth." (Matthew 24:14) Jesus foretold that the good news of the Kingdom would be preached earth wide, for a witness to all the nations. With divine help and blessing, millions of Jehovah's Witnesses are devoting billions of hours to this preaching and disciple-making work. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Yes, the Witnesses realize that they would be blood guilty if they did not declare the good news. (Ezekiel 3:18, 19) But they are delighted that each year thousands gratefully respond to the Kingdom message and take their stand as true Christians, that is, as Witnesses of Jehovah. It is an inestimable privilege to serve Jehovah and thus spread the knowledge of God. And after this good news is preached in all the inhabited earth, the end of this wicked system will come.
Next time: RESPOND TO THE EVIDENCE
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
"This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth." (Matthew 24:14) Jesus foretold that the good news of the Kingdom would be preached earth wide, for a witness to all the nations. With divine help and blessing, millions of Jehovah's Witnesses are devoting billions of hours to this preaching and disciple-making work. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Yes, the Witnesses realize that they would be blood guilty if they did not declare the good news. (Ezekiel 3:18, 19) But they are delighted that each year thousands gratefully respond to the Kingdom message and take their stand as true Christians, that is, as Witnesses of Jehovah. It is an inestimable privilege to serve Jehovah and thus spread the knowledge of God. And after this good news is preached in all the inhabited earth, the end of this wicked system will come.
Next time: RESPOND TO THE EVIDENCE
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
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