Adam Listens to His Wife's Voice

Eve soon induced Adam to join her in sin. How are we to explain his limp acquiescence?  (Genesis 3:16, 17) Adam faced a conflict of loyalties. Would he obey his Creator, who had given him everything, including his beloved mate, Eve? Would Adam seek God's direction on what he was to do now? Or would the man throw in his lot with his wife?  Adam knew very well that what she hoped to gain by eating the forbidden fruit was illusory.  The apostle Paul was inspired  to write: "Adam was not deceived and came to be in transgression."  (1 Timothy 2:14)   So Adam deliberately chose to defy Jehovah. His fear of being separated from his wife was evidently greater than his faith in God's ability to remedy the situation.  

Adam's act was suicidal. It also amounted to the murder of the progeny that Jehovah mercifully allowed his to father, since all of them  were born under sin's condemnation to death.  (Romans 5:12) How great the cost of selfish disobedience! 

Next time: The Consequences of Sin

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Eve Transgresses

Undoubtedly, Adam quickly informed Eve of the one prohibition Jehovah had imposed:  They could partake of fruit  from all the trees in their garden home except one-the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.  They were not to eat from it. If they did, on that day they would die. -Genesis 2:16, 17. 

Before long, an issue was raised regarding the forbidden fruit. Even was accosted by a serpent, used as a mouthpiece by an invisible spirit. In apparent innocence, the serpent asked: "Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?" Eve replied that is was permissible to eat the fruit of every tree except one. But then the serpent contradicted God, telling the woman:  "You positively will not die. For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to open and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad.' The woman began to see the prohibited tree in a different light.  "The tree was good for food and . . .it was something to be longed for to the eyes." Thoroughly deceived, Eve broke God's Law. -Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:14.

Was Eve's sin inevitable?  By no means! Put yourself in her place.  The serpent's claim completely distorted what God and Adam had said. How would you feel if a stranger charged someone you love  and trust with dishonesty?  Eve should have reacted differently, showing disgust and indignation, even refusing to listen.  After all, who was the serpent to question God's righteousness and her husband's word? Out of respect for the principle of headship, Eve should have sought advice before making any decision.  So should we if we are ever presented with information contrary to God-given instructions. Yet, Eve trusted the Tempter's words, desiring to be her own judge of what was good and what was bad.  The more she toyed with the idea, the more it appealed to her. What an error she made by entertaining a wrong desire, instead of dismissing it from her mind or discussing matters with her family head! - 1 Corinthians 11:3; James 1:14, 15. 

Next time: Adam Listens to His Wife's Voice

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

"In God's Image"

Adam was a perfect son of God, made in His 'image and likeness' But since "God is a Spirit," the resemblance could not be physical.  (Genesis 1:26; John 4:24)  The likeness lay in qualities  that elevated the  man far above the animals. Yes, implanted in  man from the beginning were the qualities of love, wisdom, power, and justice.  He was endowed with free will and a capacity for spirituality. An innate moral sense, or conscience, enabled him to distinguish right from wrong. Man has intellectual capacity, enabling him to meditate on the reason for the existence of humans, to accumulate knowledge of his Creator, and to develop intimacy with that One.  Thus equipped, Adam had all he needed to fulfill his role as administrator of God's earthly handiwork. 

Next time: Eve Transgresses

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

"Male and Female He Created Them"

When Adam was naming the animals, he saw that they had mates and that he did not. So when he set eyes on the beautiful creature that Jehovah had fashioned from his rib, he rejoiced. Realizing that she was uniquely a part of him. Adam exclaimed:  "This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.  This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken." -Genesis 2:18-23. 

Man needed "a helper." Now he had one who was just right. Eve was perfectly suited to be Adam's complement-in caring for their garden home and the animals, in producing children, and support of a true companion. -Genesis 1:26-30. 

Jehovah supplied everything the couple could reasonably  desire.  By bringing Eve to her husband  and thereby sanctioning their union, God founded the institution of marriage and the family by which society was to be organized.  The Genesis account states:  "A man will leave his father and  his mother and he must stick to his wife (a female) and they must become one flesh.  And when Jehovah blessed the first married couple and told them to be fruitful, he clearly intended that every child be born into a caring family, with a father and a mother (male and female) to look after it. -Genesis 1:28; 2:24. 

Next time: "In God's Image

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

We Can Learn From the First Human Couple

GOD surveyed the planet Earth. He was preparing it for human habitation.  He saw that everything he was making was good. In fact, when this work was done, he declared that it was "very good." (Genesis 1:12, 18, 21, 25, 31) Before reaching that perfect conclusion, however, God spoke of something that was "not good."  Of course, God did not make anything less perfect. It was just that his creation was not yet complete.  "It is not good for the man to continue by himself," said Jehovah."  "I am going to make a helper for him, as  a complement of him." - Genesis 2:18. 

It was Jehovah's purpose that human society enjoy eternal life in health, happiness, and abundance in an earthly paradise.  The father of all mankind was Adam. His wife, Eve, became "the mother of everyone living." (Genesis 3:20) Though earth now teems with billions of their offspring, humans are far from perfect.   

The story of Adam and Eve is well-known. But what of practical benefit is it to us?  What can we learn from the experiences of the first human couple?   

Next time: "Male and Female He Created Them" 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

'The Spirit Is Eager but the Flesh Is Weak

Inasmuch as Jesus suffered intense emotional stress as he served Jehovah, we can expect Satan to exert pressure on God's servants.  (John 15:20; 1 Peter 5:8) Moreover, we are imperfect. So even if we willingly  serve God, it will not be easy for us to do so. Jesus saw how his apostles struggled to do all that he asked them to do. That is why he said:  "The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) There was nothing inherently weak in his perfect human flesh. However, he had in mind the weakness of his disciples' flesh, the imperfection that they had inherited from imperfect Adam. Jesus knew that because of inherited imperfection and resulting human limitations, they would have  a struggle to do all they wanted to in Jehovah's service. 

So, then, we may feel like the apostle Paul, who was deeply distressed when imperfection inhibited his ability to serve God fully.  "Ability to wish is present with me, Paul wrote, "but ability to work out what is fine is not present."        (Romans 7:18)  We too find  that we cannot carry out completely all the good things we wish to do. (Romans 7:19) This is not because of any reluctance on our part. It is simply because the weakness of the flesh hampers even our best efforts.

Let us not despair. If we have heartfelt readiness to do all we can, God will surely accept our service.  (2 Corinthians 8:12) May we 'do our utmost' to imitate Christ's spirit of complete submission to God's will.  (2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 2:5-7; 1 Peter 4:1, 2) Jehovah will reward  and support such a willing spirit.  He will give us "the power beyond what is normal" to compensate  for our weaknesses.  (2 Corinthians 4;7-10)  With Jehovah's help, we, like Paul, will  "most gladly spend and be completely spent " in His precious  service. 

Next time: We Can Learn From the First Human Couple

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Delight to Do God's Will

To offer God service that he will accept, we  must follow the example of Jesus Christ.  "I seek, not my own will," he said, "but the will of him that sent me." (John 5:30) Jesus found great happiness in willingly serving God.  Jesus fulfilled David's prophetic words:  "To do your will, oh my God, I have delighted." -Psalm 40:8.

Although Jesus delighted to do God's will, this was not always easy. Consider what happened just before his arrest, trial, and execution. While in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "deeply grieved" and got "into an agony."  So intense was the emotional pressure that, as he prayed, "his sweat turned became as drops of blood falling to the ground." -Matthew 26:38; Luke 22:44. 

Why did Jesus experience such agony? Certainly not because of self-interest or any reluctance to do God's will. He was prepared to die, even reacting strongly to Peter's words: "Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all."  (Matthew 16:21-23)  What concerned Jesus was how his death as a despised criminal would affect Jehovah and His holy name. Jesus was aware that his Father would be greatly pained to see his beloved Son treated in such a barbaric fashion.

Jesus also understood that he was approaching a pivotal time in the outworking of Jehovah's purpose. Faithful adherence to God's laws would demonstrate beyond doubt that Adam could have made the  same choice. Jesus' faithfulness would expose as entirely false Satan's assertion that humans under test would not willingly  and faithfully serve God. By means of Jesus, Jehovah would ultimately crush Satan and remove the effects of his rebellion. -Genesis 3:15.

What an enormous responsibility rested on Jesus' shoulders!  His Father's name, universal peace and salvation of the human family all depended on Jesus' faithfulness. Realizing this, he prayed:  "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will."  (Matthew 26:39)  Even under the severest stress, Jesus never faltered in his willingness to submit to his Father's will.

Next time: 'The Spirit Is Eager, but the Flesh Is Weak'

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

What About Reluctant Service?

Of course, we must not let love of self outweigh love of God and people. Otherwise, there is a real danger that we may render only halfhearted, reluctant service.  We could even begin to develop some resentment, feeling upset that we cannot live our life purely according to our own desires.  This happened to some Israelites  who lost their love for God but still rendered some service to him our of a sense of duty.  What was the result?  Serving God became "a weariness" to them. -Malachi 1:13. 

Any offerings made to God should always be "sound," without defect,  the "best" available. (Leviticus 22:17-20; Exodus 23:19) Instead of giving Jehovah the best of their animals, however, people in Malachi's day began to offer those the really did not want themselves.  What was Jehovah's reaction?  He told the priests:  "When you present a blind animal for offering [you say]: 'It is nothing bad.' And when you present a lame animal or a sick one: 'It is nothing bad.'  Bring it near, please, to your governor. Will he find pleasure in you, or will he receive you kindly? . . .And you have brought something torn away, and the lame one, and the sick one; yes, you have brought it as a gift. Can I take pleasure in it at your hand?" -Malachi 1:8, 13. 

How might this happen to any of us?  Our sacrifices might became "a weariness" to us if we lack a truly willing heart and spirit.  (Exodus 35:5, 21, 22; Leviticus 1:3; Psalm 54:6; Hebrews 13:15, 16) For example, Does Jehovah get the leftovers of our time? 

Can anyone seriously think that it would have  been acceptable to God if a well-meaning family member or a zealous Levite somehow forced an unwilling Israelite to select his best animal for sacrifice when he really did not want to offer it?   (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:7, 8) Jehovah rejected such sacrifices and eventually the people who offered them. -Hosea 4:6; Matthew 21:43. 

Next time: Delight to Do God's Will

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Willing Service Required

Jehovah wants willing, wholehearted service. He never forces us to do his will.  It is Satan who will stop at nothing to pressure or entice people into doing his will. In connection with serving God, the Bible does speak of obligation, commandments, requirements, statutes and so forth. (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 1:6) Yet, our prime motive for serving God is that we love him. -Exodus 35:21; Deuteronomy 11:1. 

Regardless of how much Paul spent himself in God's service, he knew that this would mean nothing at all "if he did not have love.' (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) When Bible writers refer to Christians as slaves of God, they are not referring to abject servitude based on coercion.  (Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:24) What is meant by is willing subjection based on deep heartfelt love for God and his Son, Jesus Christ. -Matthew 22:37; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 4:10, 11.

Our service to God must also reflect a deep love for people.  "We became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children," wrote Paul to the congregation in Thessalonica.  (1 Thessalonians 2:7)  In many lands today, mothers have a legal obligation to care for their children. But surely most mothers do not do this just to obey the law, do they?  No.  They do it because they cherish their children. Why, a nursing mother gladly makes huge sacrifices  for her children!  Because Paul had similar "tender affection for those he ministered to, he was "well pleased" ("willing," King James Version; "delighted,"  New International Version) to use his very  life in helping them. (1 Thessalonians 2:8) Love motivates us to copy Paul's example. -Matthew 22:39. 

Next time:What About Reluctant Service?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000 

They Refuse to Serve at All

Most individuals do not just hesitate to serve God but flatly refuse to do so.  Their spirit is one of ingratitude, selfish independence, even rebellion. Satan enticed Adam and Eve into such a way of thinking. He wrongly said that they would "be like God, knowing good and bad"-able to decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong.  (Genesis 3;1-5) Those who have the same spirit today think that they should have complete freedom to do exactly what they desire without any obligation to God or interference from him. (Psalm 81:11, 12)  They want to use all that they possess in the pursuit of their own personal interests. -Proverbs 18:1. 

You probably do not share this extreme view. Likely you genuinely appreciate the gift of life you now enjoy and the even more wonderful prospect of living forever on a paradise earth.. (Psalm 37:10, 11; Revelation 21:1-4) You may be deeply grateful to Jehovah for his goodness to you.  But all of us need to be alert to the danger that Satan can distort our thinking in such a way that our service may actually become unacceptable to God.  (2 Corinthians 11:3) How might this happen? 

Next time: Willing Service Required

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Serve God With a Willing Spirit

"I WILL most gladly spend and be completely spent for your souls," wrote the apostle Paul.  (2 Corinthians 12:15) What do these words tell you about the outlook and attitude that Jehovah's servants should try to cultivate?  According to one Bible scholar, when Paul wrote those words to Christians in Corinth, he was saying:  "I am willing to spend my strength, and time, and life, and all that I have for your welfare, as a father cheerfully does for his children." Paul was prepared to be "completely spent," or to "be exhausted and worn out," if that was what it would take to fulfill his Christian ministry.

Moreover, Paul did all of this "most gladly."  He was  "perfectly willing" to do so, says the Jerusalem Bible.  What about you? Are  you willing to to spend your time, energy, talents, and resources serving Jehovah God and the interests of others, even if doing so means being "exhausted and worn out" at time? And would you do this "most gladly"? 

Next time: They Refuse to Serve at All

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Endure in the Ministry

For Paul, being a minister took endurance. He told the Colossians that he suffered much in order to preach the good news to them. (Colossians 1:24, 25) Because he endured, however, many accepted the good news and became  ministers.  They were begotten as sons of God and brothers of Jesus Christ, with the prospect of become spirit creatures alongside him in heaven.  What a glorious reward for endurance! 

Endurance is necessary today for those who are really God's ministers. Many struggle daily with sickness or the pains of old age. Parents work hard-many of them without a mate-to raise their children.  Courageously, children at school resist the wrong influences that surround them.  Many Christians face bitter economic struggles. And many suffer persecution or face hardships because of today's  "critical times hard to deal with"!  (2 Timothy 3:1) Yes, the almost six million ministers of Jehovah today can say with the apostle Paul:  "In every way we recommend ourselves to God's ministers, by the endurance of much." (2 Corinthians 6:4)  Christian ministers do not give up. They are truly to be commended for their endurance.  

Moreover, as it did in Paul's case, endurance brings wonderful fruitage.  By enduring,we preserve our close relationship with Jehovah and make his heart rejoice.  (Proverbs 27:11)  We strengthen our own faith and make disciples, adding to the Christian brotherhood.  (1 Timothy 4:16) Jehovah has sustained his ministers and blessed their ministry during these last days. As a result, the final one of the 144,000 have been gathered, and millions more have the confident hope of enjoying everlasting life on a paradise earth. (Luke 23:43; Revelation 14:1) Truly, the Christian ministry is an expression of Jehovah's mercy.  (2 Corinthians 4:1) Many all of us treasure it and be grateful that its fruitage will last forever. -1 John 2:17. 

Next time: Serve God With a Willing Spirit

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

The Attitude of a Christian Minister

Most of Christendom's ministers expect to be given special respect, and they take such titles as "reverend" and "father."  However, a Christian minister knows that Jehovah alone is worthy of reverence.  (1 Timothy 2:9, 10) No Christian minister claims such lofty respect or aspires to special title. (Matthew 23:8-12) He knows that  the basic meaning of di-a-ko-ni'a  is "service." The verb associated with it is sometimes uses in the Bible with regard to personal services, such as waiting at tables. (Luke 4:39; 17:8; John 2:5) Even though its usage in relation to the Christian ministry is more elevated,  a di-a'ko-nos is still a servant.

No Christian minister therefore has reason to feel self-important. Genuine Christian ministers-even those with special responsibilities in the congregation-are humble slaves. Jesus said:  "Whoever wants to be great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave." (Matthew 20:26, 27) When showing his disciples the right attitude to cultivate, Jesus washed their feet doing the work of the lowliest slave. (John 13:1-15) What a humble service! Hence, Christian ministers humbly serve Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.  (2 Corinthians 6:4; 11:23)  They show lowliness of mind in serving one another. And when they preach the good news, they unselfishly serve their unbelieving neighbors. -Romans 1:14, 15;  Ephesians 3:1-7. 

Next time: Endure in the Ministry

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

What Is the Christian Ministry?

What did the ministry of Timothy include?  He had special duties as a traveling  companion of Paul. And when he became an elder, Timothy worked hard at teaching and strengthening fellow Christians. But the central part of his ministry,as was the case with Jesus and Paul, was preaching the good news and making disciples. (Matthew 4:23; 1 Corinthians 3:5)  Paul told Timothy:  "You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry. -2 Timothy 4: 5. 

It is similar with Christian ministers today.  They engage in a public ministry, an evangelizing work, pointing others to salvation on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice and teaching meek ones to call on Jehovah's name.  (Acts 2:21;4:10-12; Romans 10:13) They prove from the Bible that the Kingdom is the only hope for suffering mankind and show that even now things are better if we live by godly principles.  (Psalm 15:1-5; Mark 13:10) But a Christian minister does not preach a social gospel. Rather, he teaches that 'godly devotion holds promise of the life now and that which is to come. ' - 1 Timothy 4:8.

True, most ministers have additional ways to serve, which may differ from one Christian to another. Many have family obligations. (Ephesians 5:21-6:4)  Elders and ministerial servants have duties in the congregation.  (1 Timothy 3:1, 12, 13;Titus 1:5; Hebrews 13:7) Many Christians help to construct Kingdom halls. Some have the wonderful privilege of working as volunteers in one of the Watchtower Society's Bethel homes. However, all Christian ministers share in the preaching of the good news. There are no exceptions. It is sharing in this work that identifies one publicly as a genuine Christian minister.

Next time: The Attitude of a Christian Minister

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Conclusion of Ordination of Minister-When?

In view of Jesus' command recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, we can sure that at some point Timothy's faith moved him to imitate Jesus and be baptized.  (Matthew 3:15-`7; Hebrews 10:5-9) This was a symbol of Timothy's whole-souled dedication to God. At his baptism Timothy became a minister. From then on, his life, his strength, and everything he had belonged to God.  This was integral part of his worship, "a sacred service."  However, Timothy only did not then rest on his laurels.  He continued to grow spiritually, becoming a mature Christian minister.  This occurred because of Timothy's close association with such mature Christians as Paul, his own personal study, and his zealous preaching activity. -1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 6:1. 

Today, ordination for the Christian ministry is similar. One who is "rightly disposed for everlasting life" is helped to learn about God and his purposes by means of a Bibles study.  (Acts 13:48)  The individual learns to apply Bible principles in his life and to pray meaningfully to God.  (Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 2:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18)  He associates with other believers and takes advantage of provisions and arrangements made by the "faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:23-25)  Thus he makes progress in a structured process of education. 

Eventually, the Bible student, having developed a love of Jehovah God ans a strong faith in the ransom sacrifice, wishes to dedicate himself completely to his heavenly Father.  (John 14:1) He makes that dedication in personal prayer and then gets baptized as a public symbol of that private act. His baptism is his ordination ceremony because that is when he is recognized as a fully dedicated servant, a di-a'ko-nos, of God.  He must remain separate from the world.  (John 17:16; James 4:4)  He has presented his whole self "a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God" without reserve or condition.  (Romans 12:1) He is God's minister, imitating Christ.

Next time: What Is the Christian Ministry? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Ordination as a Minister-When?

As to when and by whom a person is ordained, consider the example of Jesus Christ.  He did not have a certificate of ordination or a degree from some seminary to prove that he was a minister, and he was not ordained by any man.  Why can we say, then, that he was a minister?  Because Isaiah's inspired words were fulfilled in him: "Jehovah spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news." (Luke 4:17-19; Isaiah 61:1) Those words leave no doubt that  Jesus was commissioned to tell forth good news. By whom?  Since Jehovah's spirit anointed him for the work, Jesus was clearly ordained by Jehovah God. When did this happen?  Jehovah's spirit actually came upon Jesus when he was baptized.  (Luke  3:21, 22) Therefore, it was at his baptism that he was ordained.

What of Jesus' first-century followers? Their status as ministers also came from Jehovah. Paul said:  "Our being adequately qualified issues from God, who has indeed adequately qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant." (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6) How does Jehovah qualify his worshipers to be ministers?  Consider the example of Timothy, whom Paul called "God's minister in the good news about the Christ."-1 Thessalonians 3:2. 

The following words addressed to Timothy help us to understand how he became a minister:  "You, however, continue  in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned from  them and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which  are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Jesus Christ." (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) The foundation of Timothy's faith, which would move him to make a public declaration, was knowledge of the Scriptures.  Was personal reading all that was needed for this?  No. Timothy needed help to gain accurate knowledge and spiritual understanding of what he read.  (Colossians 1:9)  Thus Timothy was "persuaded to believe."  Since he had known the Scriptures  "from infancy," his first instructors must have been his mother and grandmother, his father evidently not being a believer. -2 Timothy 1:5. 

However, more was involve in Timothy's becoming a minister.  For one thing, his faith was strengthened by association with Christians  in nearby congregations.  How do we know?  Because when Paul first met Timothy, the young man was "well reported on by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium." (Acts 16:2) Additionally, in those days certain brothers wrote letters to the congregations in order to strengthen them, and overseers visited them in order to  build them up. Such provisions helped Christians like Timothy to progress spiritually. -Acts 15:22-32; 1 Peter 1:1.

Next time: Conclusion of Ordination as a Minister-When?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Who Really Are God's Ministers?

According to the Bible, all Jehovah's worshipers -heavenly and earthly-are ministers. Angels minister to Jesus.  (Matthew 4:11; 26:53; Luke 22:43)  Angels also minister for those who are going to inherit salvation." (Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10) Jesus was a minister. He said:  "The Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister." (Matthew 20:28; Romans 15:8) Therefore, since Jesus' followers were to "follow his steps closely," it is not surprising that they too must be ministers. -1 Peter 2:21.

Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus said to his disciples:  "Go . . . 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) Jesus' disciples were  to be disciple makers -minsters. The new disciples they made would learn to observe all the things Jesus' commanded, including the command to go forth and make disciples. Man or woman, adult or child, a true disciple of Jesus Christ would be a minister. -Joel 2:28, 29. 

In harmony with this, on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., all of Jesus' disciples present, men and women, joined in telling forth" the magnificent things of God." (Acts 2:1-11) Further, the apostle Paul wrote:  "With the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation." (Romans 10:10) Paul addressed those words, not to a restricted clergy class, but "to all those who [were] in Rome as God's  beloved ones." (Romans 1:1, 7) Similarly, all 'the holy ones in Ephesus and faithful ones in union with Christ Jesus were to have their "feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace." (Ephesians 1:1; 6:15)b And all those who heard the letter addressed to the Hebrews were  to 'hold fast the public declaration of their hope without wavering. -Hebrews 10:23. 

When, though, does a person become a minister? In other words, when is he ordained? and who ordained him?  

Next time: Ordination as  a Minister-When? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

WHO ARE GOD'S MINISTERS TODAY?

"Our being qualified issues from God, who has indeed adequately qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant." -2 CORINTHIANS 3:5, 6.


IN THE first century of our Common Era, all Christians shared and important responsibility-the duty to preach the good news. All of them were anointed and were ministers of the new covenant.  Some had additional responsibilities, such as teaching in the congregation.  (1 Corinthians 12:27-29; Ephesians 4:11) Parents had weighty obligations within the family. (Colossians 3:18-21) But all shared in the basic and vital work of preaching. In the original Greek of the Christian Scriptures, this responsibility was a di-a-ko-ni'a--a service, of ministry. -Colossians 4:17. 

As time went by, things changed. A  class developed known as the clergy, who reserved for themselves the privilege of preaching.  (Acts 20:30) The clergy were a small minority of those calling themselves Christians.  The great majority became known as the laity. While the laity have been taught that they have obligations, including the making of contributions for the upkeep of the clergy, most have become little more than passive listeners in the matter of preaching.

The clergy claim to be ministers (from minister, a Latin translation of di-a'ko-nos, "servant").  For this, they graduate from colleges or seminaries and are ordained.  The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says:  " 'Ordain' and ordination' ordinarily refer to special status accorded ministers or priests through officially sanctioned  rites, with associated emphasis on authority to proclaim the Word or to administer sacraments, or to do both."  Who ordains the ministers?  The New Encyclopedia says:  "In churches that have retained the historic episcopate, the ordaining minister is always a bishop. In Presbyterian churches, ordination is conferred by ministers of the presbytery."

Hence, in the churches of Christendom, the privilege of being a minister has been severely restricted.  Yet, this is not the case among Jehovah's Witnesses. Why not? Because it was not that way in the first-century Christian congregation. 

Next time: Who Really Are God's Ministers?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Sacred Service That Is Unacceptable

In the days of ancient Israel, sacred service had to be rendered in harmony with Jehovah's Laws.  (Exodus 30:9; Leviticus 10:1, 2)  Likewise today, there are requirements to observe if our sacred service is to be acceptable to Jehovah.   That is why Paul wrote to the Colossians:  "We . . .have not ceased praying for you and asking that you might be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension,in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9, 10)  It is not up to us to determine the proper way to worship God. Accurate Scriptural knowledge, spiritual comprehension and godly wisdom are vital. Otherwise, things can  go terribly wrong. 

Remember the Israelites in the days of Moses. We read:  "God turned and handed them over to render sacred service to the army of heaven." (Acts 7:42) Th0se Israelites had seen Jehovah's powerful acts in their behalf. Yet, they turned to other gods when they thought this would be their advantage.  They were not loyal, and loyalty is a must if our sacred service is to be pleasing to God.  (Psalm 18:25)  True, few today would turn from Jehovah to worship stars or golden calves, but there are other forms of idolatry. Jesus warned against serving "Riches," and Paul called covetousness idolatry.  (Matthew 6:24; Colossians 3:5) Satan promotes himself as a god. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Such kinds of idolatry are rampant and are a snare. Think, for example, of someone who claims to follow Jesus but whose real trust is in himself and his own ideas.  Who is he really serving? How different is he from the Jews of Isaiah's day who swore in Jehovah's name but credited his great act to unclean idols? -Isaiah 48:1, 5.

Jesus also warned:  "The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God." (John 16:2)  Saul,who became the apostle Paul, doubtless thought that he was serving God when he 'approved the murder against the disciples of the Lord.' (Acts 8:1; 9:1)  Today, some perpetrators of ethnic cleansing and genocide also claim to worship God, but their worship is really directed to the gods of nationalism, tribalism, wealth, self, or some other deity. 

Jesus said:  "It is Jehovah,your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service." (Matthew 4:10) He was speaking to Satan, but how vital it is that all of us heed his words! Rendering sacred service to the Sovereign Lord of the universe is an elevated, fear-inspiring privilege. And what can be said about performing public service that is linked to our worship?  Doing this in behalf of our fellowman is a joyful work that brings great happiness.  (Psalm 41:1, 2; 59:16)  Still, such service brings  real happiness only if it is offered wholeheartedly and in the right way.  Who are really worshiping God properly?  Whose sacred service does Jehovah accept?  We can answer such questions if we consider the third Bible word that has to do with our worship. this we will do in the following article. 

Next time: WHO ARE GOD'S MINISTERS TODAY? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Where Do We Render Sacred Service?

To anointed Christians, Paul wrote:  "Seeing that we are to receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe." (Hebrews 12:28) With confident expectation of inheriting the Kingdom, anointed ones are unmovable in faith as they worship the Most High. Only they can render him sacred service in the Holy compartment and the inner courtyard of Jehovah's spiritual temple, and they look forward with eager anticipation to serving with Jesus in the Most Holy, heaven itself.  Their companions, the other sheep class, rejoice with them in their marvelous hope. -Hebrews 6:19, 20;  10:19-22. 

What, though, of those other sheep?  As the apostle John foresaw, a great crowd of them has appeared in these last days, and "they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14)  This means that, like their anointed fellow worshipers, they exercise faith in Jesus' public service, his offering of his perfect human life in behalf of mankind.  The other sheep also benefit from Jesus' public service int hat they are "laying hole of [Jehovah's ] covenant." (Isaiah 56:6) No, they are not parties to the new covenant, but they lay hold of it in that they obey the laws related to it and cooperate with arrangements made through it.  They associate with the Israel of God, feeding at the same spiritual table and working along with its members, praising God publicly and offering spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to him. -Hebrews 13:15. 

Thus, the great crowd are seen "standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes." Further, "they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering sacred service  day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them." (Revelation 7:9, 15) In Israel,  proselytes worshiped in the outer courtyard of Solomon's temple. In a similar way, the great crowd worships Jehovah in the outer courtyard of his spiritual temple. Serving there causes them to rejoice.  (Psalm 122:1) Even after the last of their anointed associates receives his heavenly inheritance, they will continue to render sacred service to Jehovah as his people. -Revelation 21:3. 

Next time: Sacred Service That Is Unacceptable 

From the Watchtower magazine,2000

Render Sacred Service

Another Greek word having to do with our worship is la-trei'a, translated "sacred service" in the New World Translation.  (which by the way  says the same thing as the King James and the Gideon Bible)  Sacred service has to do with acts of worship. For example, the 84-year-old widow and prophetess Anna is described as "never missing from the temple, rendering sacred service [a Greek word related to la-trei'a]  night and day with fastings and supplications." (Luke 2:36, 37) Anna worshiped Jehovah with constancy. She is a fine example for all of us-young and old, men and women. Even as Anna prayed to Jehovah earnestly and worshiped him regularly at the temple, our sacred service includes prayer and meeting attendance. - Romans 12:12; Hebrews 10:24, 25.

The apostle Paul mentioned a major feature of our sacred service when he wrote:  "God to whom I render sacred service with my spirit in connection with the good news about his Son, is my witness of how without ceasing I always make mention of you in my prayers." (Romans 1:9) Yes, the preaching of the good news is not only a public service to those who hear it but also an act of worship to Jehovah God. Whether we find a receptive ear or not, the preaching work is sacred  service rendered to Jehovah. Our  endeavoring to tell others about the fine qualities and beneficent purposes  of our beloved heavenly Father certainly brings us great joy. -Psalm 71:23. 

Next time: Where Do We Render Sacred Service?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Christians Also Render Public Service

No human performs a public service as exalted as that of Jesus. When anointed Christians receive their heavenly reward, however, they take their place alongside Jesus and share in his public service as heavenly kings and priests.  (Revelation 20:6; 22:1-5) Yet, Christians on earth do perform public service, and they find great joy in doing so.   For example, when there was a food shortage in Palestine, the apostle Paul carried donations from brothers in Europe to help alleviate the distress of Jewish Christians in Judea.  That was public service.  (Romans 15:27; 2 Corinthians 9:12) Today, Christians are happy to render a similar service,  giving prompt assistance when their brothers experience  affliction, natural disasters, or other calamities. -Proverbs 14:21.

Paul referred to another public service when he wrote:  "Even if I am being poured  out like a drink offering upon the sacrifice and public service to which faith has led you, I am glad that I rejoice and I rejoice with all of you." (Philippians 2:17)   Paul's hard work in behalf of the Philippians had been a public service rendered with love and diligence.  A similar  public  service is being rendered today, especially  by anointed Christians, who serve as "the faithful and discreet slave," supplying spiritual food at the proper time.  (Matthew 24:45-47)  Further, as a group, these are "a holy priesthood," commissioned "to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" and to "declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called [them] our of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:5, 9) Like Paul, they rejoice in such privileges even as they 'pour themselves out' in fulfilling their responsibilities.  And their "other sheep" companions join them and support them in the work of telling mankind about Jehovah and his purposes. (John 10:16; Matthew 24:14) What a grand and joyful public service that is! -Psalm 107:21, 22. 

Next time: Render Sacred Service

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Jesus' Public Service

In the original Greek, one important word having to do with worship is lei-tour-gi'a, which  is translated "public service"  in the New World Translation. In Christendom lei-tour-gi'a has given rise to the word "liturgy." However, the formalistic liturgies if Christendom are not a truly beneficial public service.  

The apostle Paul used a Greek word related to lei-tour-gi'a with reference to Israel's  priests. He said:  "Every priest takes his station from day to day to render public service [a form of  lei-tour-gi'a] and to offer the same sacrifices often." (Hebrews 10:11)   Levite priests  rendered a very valuable public service in Israel.  They taught God's Law and offered sacrifices  that covered the sins of the people.  (2 Chronicles 15:3; Malachi 2:7) When the priests and the people followed Jehovah's Law, the nation had reasons to be joyful. -Deuteronomy 16:15. 

Rendering public service under the Law was a real privilege for Israelite priests, but their service ceased to have any value when Israel was rejected because of  unfaithfulness. (Matthew 21:43) Jehovah arranged  for something far grander-the public service performed by Jesus, the great High Priest. Concerning him, we read:  "He because of continuing alive forever has his priesthood without any successors.  Consequently he is able to  save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them." ." -Hebrews 7:24, 25.

Jesus continues as priest forever, without successors. Thus, only he can save people completely. He performs that unparalleled public service, not in a man-made temple, but in the antitypical temple, Jehovah's great arrangement for worship that went into operation in 29 C.E. Jesus  now serves in the Most Holy of that temple, in heaven.  He is "a public servant  [lei-tour'gi'os] of the holy place and of the true tent, which  Jehovah put up, and not man." (Hebrews 8:2; 9:11, 12) Lofty as jesus' position is, he is still "a public servant."  He uses his high authority to give, not to take. And such giving brings him joy. It is part of "the joy that was set before him" and that strengthened him to endure throughout his course on earth. -Hebrews 12:2. 

There is another aspect of Jesus; public service.  Paul wrote: "Jesus has obtained a more excellent public service, so that he is also the mediator of a correspondingly better covenant, which has been legally established upon better promises."  (Hebrews 8:6) Moses mediated the covenant that was the basis of Israel's relationship with Jehovah. (Exodus 19:4, 5)  Jesus mediated  a new covenant, which made possible the birth of a new nation,  "The Israel of God," Composed of spirit-anointed Christians from many nations.  (Galatians 6:16; Hebrews 8:8, 13; Revelation 5:9, 10)  what an excellent public service that was!  How happy we are to be acquainted with Jesus, a public servant through whom we can render acceptable worship to Jehovah! -John 14:6. 

Next time: Christians Also Render Public Service

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

CHRISTIANS FIND HAPPINESS IN SERVING

DURING the last decades of the 1900's, the word "me-ism," was frequently heard.  "Me-ism" mean, in effect, "me first" and denotes an attitude combining selfishness and greed with lack of concern for others. We can be sure that in the year 2000, me-ism is by no means dead.  How many times do you hear the questions, "What is in it for me?" or, "What will I get out of it?"  Such  a selfish attitude is not conducive to happiness. It is the very opposite of the principle that Jesus stated:  "There is more happiness  in giving than there is in receiving." -Acts 20:35.

Is it true that giving brings greater happiness than receiving?  Yes.  Think of Jehovah God. With him is "the source of life." (Psalm 36:9)  He provides  everything we need to make us happy and productive.  Indeed, he is the Source of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17)  Jehovah, "the happy God," is constantly  giving. (1 Timothy 1:11) He loves human creation, to whom he gives so much . (John 3:16) Think, too, of a human family. If you are a parent, you know how many sacrifices, how much giving, it takes to raise a child. And for many years the child is unaware of the sacrifices you make.  He takes them all for granted. Still,it makes you happy to see your child flourishing as a result of your unselfish giving.  Why? Because you love him. 

In a similar way, true worship is characterized by giving that is based on love.  Since we love Jehovah and we love our fellow believers, it is a delight to serve them, to give of ourselves to them.  (Matthew 22:37-39) Any who worship with selfish motives end up with very little joy.  But those  who serve unselfishly, being more concerned with what they can give than with what they hope to receive, find happiness indeed.  This truth is discerned by considering how certain Bible words related to our worship are used in the Scriptures.  We will discuss three of these words in this and the following article. 

Next time: Jesus' Public Service

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

When All Prayers Will Be Answered

Did praying do these people any good? Certainly! And did you notice that in most cases their prayers were answered when someone from the Christian congregation helped them to draw close to Jehovah God by studying the Bible? -Acts 9:11. 

So, then, we have good reasons to pray. Soon now, the prayer for God's Kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth will be answered.  (Matthew 6:10) After God has cleansed our globe of those who oppose him, "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah." ( Isaiah 11:9) Then all those who love Jehovah will enjoy "the glorious freedom of the children of God"-and their prayers certainly will be answered. -Romans 8:18-21. 

Next time: CHRISTIANS FIND HAPPINESS IN SERVING

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Prayer Can Solve Problems

Developing a close relationship with Jehovah will help us to solve problems. Notice how this was so in each of the following circumstances.  They illustrate that those praying were able to strengthen their relationship with Jehovah. 

In Brazil a woman named Maria prayed to God for help. She had wanted to rebel against accepted standards of conduct partly because of the hypocrisy she saw in society. Maria had even left her husband, children, and home.  She also started to use drugs. But when she failed to find happiness, she opened her heart to God and prayed for help.

Soon, two of Jehovah's Witnesses called and left with Maria an issue of The Watchtower containing material on the value of accepting divine guidance. It touched her heart, and she began studying the Bible with the Witnesses that very day. This ultimately led to the restoration of her family life. As she learned about Jehovah, she wanted to express her love for him.  "I made changes for the better," said Maria.  "My husband and family at first objected to my study of the Bible.  But as they saw the changes I was making, the began to encourage me."  Later, Maria dedicated her life to the Hearer of Prayer in order to serve him.

Although Jose' had a beautiful wife and a thriving business in Bolivia, he was unhappy, An extramarital affair cause his wife to leave him.  He drank excessively  and felt useless. Says Jose':  "I began praying with all my heart, asking what I should do to please God. Soon Jehovah's Witnesses visited my business place offering me free home Bible studies, but I dismissed them.  This happened three times. Every time I prayed for help, there they were. Finally, I resolved that I would listen the next time. I had read the Bible through and had many questions, but they always had answers that satisfied me. Learning about Jehovah gave me a new purpose in life, and my friends among the Witnesses were such encouraging examples!  I left my girlfriend and my drinking companions. Before long, I was back with my wife and children. I was baptized early in 1999." 

In Italy, Tamara's marriage was in trouble, so she prayed for wisdom. She had developed an aggressive attitude, having been beaten and thrown out of the family at age 14.  Says Tamara: "I found a Bible and began to read it. One evening, I read that 'finding wisdom is like finding hidden treasures.' I prayed for that wisdom.  (Proverbs  2:1-6) The next morning, Jehovah's Witnesses called. I began studying the Bible with them, but it took me some time to put what I learned into practice. Finally, I decided to follow   the Christian way of life and was baptized. Now, along with my husband, I help others to benefit from God's wisdom."  

Beatriz had been part of high society in Caracas, Venezuela. Yet, she found herself divorced and distressed. Desperate, she once spent hours in prayer.  The next morning, the doorbell rang. Irritated , she looked through the peephole and saw two people with briefcase. She pretended not be at home, but before the couple left, they pushed a   handbill under the door.  "Know Your Bible." it said.  Could their visit be connected  with her prayers the night before? She called for them to come back. Soon she was studying the Bible, and she was later baptized. Happy at last, Beatriz now teaches others about how to find happiness.  

Carmen prayed concerning her struggle with poverty. She had ten children and a drunken husband, Rafael.  "I tried to earn money washing clothes," said Carmen.  But Rafael's drinking habit got worse.  "It wasn't until we began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses  that my husband began to change.  We learned of the Kingdom promise-that Jehovah will soon rid the world of poverty and oppression.  My prayers to God were finally answered!"  Learning about Jehovah's  ways helped Rafael to stop drinking, and he put on "the new personality." (Ephesians 4:24) He and his family were able to improve  their standard of living.  Says Rafael:  "We may not be rich, and we do not own our own home, but we have the necessities of life, and we are happy." 

Next time: When All Prayers Will Be Answered

From the Watchtower magazine, 2ooo

WHY Should You PRAY?

"YOU do ask, and yet you do not receive, because you are asking for a wrong purpose . . .Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." (James 4:3, 8)  Those words of Jesus' disciple James may well prompt us to consider our reasons for praying. 

Prayer is not just  a means of telling God what we need.  In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:  "Your Father knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him." Yet, Jesus also said:"Keep on asking, and it will be given you. (Matthew 6:8; 7:7)  So Jehovah does want us tot ell him what we feel we need. But there is much more to prayer than that.  True friends do not communicate only when they need something.  They are interested in each other, and their friendship grows when they express their feelings. Similarly, prayer has a greater purpose than merely asking for necessities. It affords opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah by expressing our heartfelt devotion to him. 

Yes, God has granted us the privilege of prayer so that we might draw close to him. This can happen only if we express our own feelings to God instead of reciting memorized prayers. What delight it is to talk to Jehovah in prayer!  Moreover, a Bible proverb says:  "The prayer of the upright ones is a pleasure to him." -Proverbs 15:8. 

"As for me, the drawing near to God is good for me," sang the psalmist Asaph.  (Psalm 73:28)  But to draw near to God, we must do more than pray. Notice how the following account indicates this:  "A certain one of [Jesus'] disciples said to him:  'Lord, teach us how to pray.' "  In reply Jesus said:  'Father, let your name be sanctified, let your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' " (Luke 11:1, 2  Could we pray meaningfully in this way without first learning what God's name is and how it will be sanctified?  And could we pray in harmony  with these words of Jesus if we  did not understand what God's Kingdom is?  An understanding of these matters is available if we examine the Bible carefully.  The knowledge  thus gained  will help us to know God and understand his ways. Furthermore, becoming acquainted with Jehovah God will make us feel closer and more devoted to him. In turn, this will help us to speak to him more freely in prayer. 

Next time: Prayer Can Solve Problems

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Conclusion of Are All Prayers Heard?

The apostle Peter mentioned something else that could make prayers unacceptable to God. Peter wrote:  "You husbands,continue dwelling in like manner with [your wives] according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel,the feminine one, since you are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be  hindered." (1 Peter 3:7) The prayers of a man who ignored such counsel might get no farther than the ceiling!

Clearly, certain requirements must be met if prayers  are to be heard. However, many who pray show little concern about doing what God requires of us. that is why so much earnestness in prayer has not resulted in a better world.

What, then, does God require for our prayers to be heard?  The answer  has to do with our very reason for praying .  In fact, if we want to know whether prayers do any good, we must understand their purpose.  Why has Jehovah made it possible for us to speak to him?  

Next time: Why Should You Pray? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Does Anyone Hear Prayers?

Prayers cannot do any good unless they are heard. When a person prays, he evidently believes that someone in the invisible spirit realm hears. However, prayers are not transmitted by mere sound waves. Many people believe that someone can even read the thoughts of the one praying. Who might that be? 

Just how thoughts originate in the billions of neurons that compose the cerebral cortex of our brain is largely a mystery to researchers. Reasonably, though, the One who designed the brain can read such thoughts. That one is none other than our Creator, Jehovah God.  (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11)  Prayers should be directed to him.  But does Jehovah pay attention to all such prayers?

Are All Prayers Heard?

King David of ancient Israel was a man of prayer. As a divinely inspired psalmist, he sang:  "O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all fleshy will come." (Psalm 65:2) Jehovah is able to understand prayers uttered in any of the thousands of languages spoken by mankind. The fact that no human mind could process so much information does not  mean that God cannot pay attention to all who pray to him in an acceptable way.

Yes, Jesus Christ-also a man of prayer-revealed that not all prayers please God. Note what Jesus said about the then popular practice of repeating memorized prayers. According to  the Catholic Jerusalem Bible, he stated: "In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard." (Matthew 6:7)  We cannot expect Jehovah to listen to prayers that do not express our true feelings. 

Indicating why some prayers do not please God, a Bible proverb says:  "He that is turning his ear away from the hearing the law-even his prayer is something detestable." (Proverbs 28:9) Another proverbs says:  "Jehovah is far away from the wicked ones, but the prayer of the righteous ones he hears." (Proverbs 15:29) At a time when the leaders  of ancient Judah bore heavy guilt, Jehovah declared:  "When you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled." -Isaiah 1:1, 15.

Next time: Conclusion of: Are All Prayers Heard?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000  

Does PRAYING Do Any GOOD?

AT ONE time or another, nearly everyone feels the need to pray. In fact, people of almost every religious persuasion pray earnestly.  For instance, thousands of time a day, a Buddhist may repeat the prayer "I place my faith in Amida Budda."

In view of the problems that persist earth wide, it is reasonable to ask:  What do people expect to achieve by praying? Are all these prayers doing any good? 

Why Do People Pray?

Many Orientals pray to their ancestors and to the gods of Shinto or Tao.  They do so in hopes of passing examinations in school, reaping good crops, or warding off diseases. By their efforts, Buddhists hope  to gain enlightenment. Hindus pray devoutly to their favorite gods and goddesses for knowledge, wealth, and protection.  

( Note: They are praying to the wrong god. What they are accomplishing is idolatry. There is only one God and in order for prayers to be answered, you need more than just belief in God)

Some Catholics hope to benefit mankind by devoting their lives as monks or nuns in closed monasteries or convents, praying continually.  Millions of Catholics seek favors from Mary by saying memorized prayers, perhaps with the aid of rosary beads. In Oriental  lands, many people  use prayer wheels.  Protestants repeat the words of the Lord's  Prayer, though they may also express their feelings to God spontaneously. Many Jews travel great distances to pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, hoping for a restoration of the temple and a new age of prosperity and peace. Though millions exert themselves in prayer, human society is increasingly plagued with problems of poverty, addiction, broken families, crime, and war. Could it be that all these people are not praying in the right way? For that matter, does anyone really hear prayers?  

Note: Yes, God hears prayers; but, as I said, you have to have more than belief in God. You have to have strong faith and love in God; and patience to wait until he is ready to answer your prayer. I have had many prayers answered. You cannot ask for material things a lot or things like praying for football teams to win, etc.. You have to be sincere, because believe it or not, God can read your heart and mind and he knows if you are sincere. He can also see you, so you cannot pull any garbage on him. There is one other thing that most people don't know, when you are in another city, state, country; you cannot attend a another religious facility that uses rosary beads,  statutes, crosses, any religion that uses images  to worship. You need to go to your own place of worship. ) 

Next time: Does Anyone Hear Prayers?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000

Our Finest Example

In the ancient games, champions enjoyed widespread admiration. Poets wrote about them, and sculptors made statutes of them.  Historian Vera Olivova says that they "bathed in glory and enjoyed immense popularity."  They also served as role models for a younger generation of champions.

Who is the "champion" setting the finest example for Christians?  Paul answers:  "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1, 2) Yes, if we are to be victorious in our race for eternal life, we need to look intently to our Exemplar, Jesus Christ.  This we can do by regularly reading the Gospel accounts and meditating on ways in which we can imitate him.  Such study will help us appreciate that Jesus Christ was obedient to God and proved the quality of his faith by his endurance. As a reward for his endurance, he received the approval of Jehovah God along with many wonderful privileges. -Philippians 2:9-11. 

Of course, Jesus' most outstanding quality was his love.  "No one has great than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends." (John 15:13) He gave deeper meaning to the word "love" by telling us to love even our enemies.  (Matthew 5:43-48)  Because he loved his heavenly Father, Jesus found joy in doing the will of his Father. (Psalm 40:9, 10; Proverbs 27:11) Our looking to Jesus as our Exemplar and as the one who sets the pace for us in the strenuous race for life will also move us to love God and our neighbor and to find real joy in our sacred service.  (Matthew 22:37-39;  John 13:34; 1 Peter 2:21) Keep in mind that Jesus does not ask the impossible.  He assures us:  "I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.  For my yoke is kindly and my load is light." -Matthew 11:28-30. 

Like Jesus, we need to keep our eyes on the prize that is reserved for all who endure down to the end. (Matthew 24:13) If we contend according to the rules, if we put off every weight, and if we run with endurance, we can be confident  of victory. the goal in sight beckons us onward! It renews our strength because of the joy that it infuses in us, a joy that makes the road ahead of us easier to tread. 

Next time:Does PRAYING Do Any GOOD?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001

The Prize

Winners in ancient Greek athletic contests were given wreaths that were usually made of the leaves of trees and were adorned with flowers. In the Pythian Games, winners received a crown made of laurel. In the Olympian Games they got crowns of wild olive leaves, while in the Isthmian Games they were given crowns of pine.  "To excite the ardor of the combatants," notes one Bible scholar, "the crowns, the rewards of the victory, and palm branches, lay during the contest, full in their view, on a tripod, or table, place in the stadium." For the winner, wearing the crown was a mark of great honor.  On his return home, he rode triumphantly in a chariot into the city.

Having this in mind, Paul asked the Corinthian readers: "Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may attain it. . . .Now they, of course, do it that they may get a corruptible crown, but we  an incorruptible one." (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25; 1 Peter 1:3, 4) What a contrast!  Unlike the fading crowns of the ancient games, the prize awaiting those who run the race for life to the finish will never perish. 

Regarding this finer crown, the apostle Peter wrote:  "When the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfadable crown of glory." (1 Peter 5:4) Could any prize this world offers compare with the immorality, the prize of incorruptible life in heavenly glory with Christ.?

Today, the greater majority of Christian runners are not anointed by God to be his spiritual sons and do not have a heavenly hope. They are not running for the prize of immorality. However, God also places a matchless prize before them. It is everlasting life n perfection on a paradise earth under the Kingdom of heaven. Whichever prize a Christian runner has his eye on, he should run with greater determination and vigor than any runner in an athletic contest.  Why?  Because the  prize will never fade:  "This is the promised thing that he himself promised us, the life everlasting." -1 John 2:25. 

With such an incomparable prize before the Christian runner, what should be his view of the enticements of this world?  It should be that of Paul who said:  "I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them the as a lot of refuse."  In line with this, how hard Paul ran!  "Brothers, I do not yet consider myself as having laid hold on it, but there is one thing about it; Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize." (Philippians 3:8, 13, 14) Paul ran with his eyes fixed firmly on the prize. So should we. 

Next time: Our Finest Example

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001

"Run With Endurance"

Not all ancient footraces were short sprints.  One race, called do'li-khos,went for about two and a half miles. It was a demanding test of strength and endurance. According to tradition, in 328 B.C.E., an athlete named Ageas, after winning this race, set off and ran all the way to his home city, Argos, to announce his victory.  That day, he ran approximately 70 miles! 

The Christian race is also a long-distance run that tests our endurance. Enduring in this race t0 the end is needed to gain Jehovah's approval and the prize of everlasting life. Paul ran the race in such a way. Near the end of his life, he was able to say:  "I have fought the fine fight, I have the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness." (2 Timothy 4:7, 8)   Like Paul, we have to run "to the finish." If our endurance wanes just because the race is somewhat longer than we expected at first, we shall fail to gain our reward.  (Hebrews 11:6)  What a tragedy that would be, seeing that we are so close to the finish line!

Next time: The Prize

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001

"Put Off Every Weight"

In the ancient games, runners were not weighed down by clothes or equipment. "At foot-races, . . .the combatants used to appear quite naked," says the book The Life of the Greeks and Romans. Wearing no clothes gave the athletes agility, ease of movement, and deftness. there was no wasted energy resulting from unnecessary weight. Paul likely had this in mind when he wrote to the Hebrew Christians:  "Let us also put off every weight . . .,and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." -Hebrews 12:1. 

What types of weight can hinder us in the race for life? One would be the desire to accumulate unnecessary material things or to maintain a costly life-style.  Some may look to wealth for security or see it as a source of happiness. Such excess  "weight" may slow a runner down to the extent that,eventually, God may not really matter very much to him. (Luke 12:16-21) Everlasting life may come to seem like a distant hope.  'The new world will come someday,' a person may reason, 'but in the meantime we might as well take advantage of what his world offers.' (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Such a materialistic outlook can very easily sidetrack one from the race for life or prevent one from even starting it.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated:  "No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise  the other.,  You cannot slave for God and for Riches." Then after telling of Jehovah's caring for the needs of animals and plants and saying that humans are worth more than those, he admonished:  "So never be anxious and say, 'What are we going to eat?' or, 'What are we to drink' or, 'What are we  to put on?'  For all these things are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing.  For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you." -Matthew 6:24-33.

Next time: "Run With Endurance" 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001

'Contending According to the Rules'

The entry requirements for the ancient games were very strict. A herald would resent each athlete to the spectators and shout: 'Is there anyone who can accuse this man of any crime? Is he a robber or a wicked and depraved  in his life and manners?' According to Archaeologia Graeca, "no person that was himself a notorious criminal or [closely] related to any such, was permitted to contend." And breaches of the games' rules were heavily penalized by barring the violators from the contests.

This fact helps us to understand Paul's statement: "If anyone contends even in the games, he is not crowned unless he has contended according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:5) Similarly, to run in the race for life, we must meet Jehovah's requirements, complying with his lofty moral standards as they are set out in the Bible. However, the Bible warns us:  "The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up."  (Genesis 8:21) thus, even after entering the race, we have to be careful to keep on contending according to the rules in order to continue having Jehovah's approval and gain everlasting life. 

The greatest aid to act in this way is love for God. (Mark  12:29-31) Such love will make us want to please Jehovah and act according to his will. -1 John 5:3. 

Next time: "Put Off Every Weight"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001

"Run in Such a Way"

IMAGINE yourself in a sports stadium jammed with excited people. The athletes march onto the field. The crowd roars as their heroes come into view. Judges are on hand to enforce the rules. As the events get under way, shouts of triumph mix with cries of disappointment. Deafening applause greets the victors! 

You are attending, not a modern sporting event, but on held some 2,000 years ago on the Isthmus of Corinth. Here, every two years from the sixth century B.C.E. to the fourth century C.E., the famous Isthmus Games were held. For many days the event captured the interest of all of Greece. The games were more than simple athletic contests. Athletes were symbols of military preparedness. The winners-idolized as heroes-receive crowns made of tree leaves. Gifts were lavished upon them, and the city gave  them a large pension for life.

The apostle Paul was familiar with the Isthmian Games near Corinth and compared a Christian's life course  to an athletic contest. By referring to runners, wrestlers, and boxers, he aptly illustrated the rewards of good training, well-directed efforts, and endurance. Of course, the Christians to whom  he wrote also knew about the games. Some had undoubtedly  been among the shouting crowds at the stadium. So they would readily appreciate Paul's illustrations.  What about us today?  We too are in a race-for everlasting life. How can we benefit from Paul's references to those contests?  

Next time: 'Contending According to the Rules'

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001