HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TRUE RELIGION

How can 'the road to life' be found?  Jesus said that the true religion would be evident in the  lives of the people who practice it."  "By their fruits you will recognize them," he said.  "Every good tree produces fine fruit." (Matthew 7:16, 17) In other words, those who practice the true religion would be recognized by their beliefs and their conduct. Although they are not perfect and they make mistakes, true worshipers as a group seek to do God's will. Let us consider six features that identify those who practice true religion. 

God's servants base their teachings on the Bible.  The Bible itself says:v "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man  [or woman]  of God maybe fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3;16, 17)  To his fellow Christians, the apostle Paul wrote:  "When you received God's Word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but as it truthfully is,m as the word of God."  (1 Thessalonians 2;13)  Hence, beliefs and practices of the true religion are not based on human views or tradition.  They originate  in God's inspired Word, the Bible.

Jesus Christ set the proper example  by basing his teachings on God's Word. In prayer to his heavenly  Father, he said:  "Your  word is truth." (John 17:17)  Jesus believed the Word of God, and everything he taught harmonized with the Scriptures.  Jesus often said:  "It is written."  (Matthew 4;4, 7, 10) Then Jesus would quote a scripture.  Similarly, God's people today do not teach their own ideas.  They believe that the Bible is God's Word, and they base their teachings firmly on what it says. 

Next time: Continue with: HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TRUE RELIGION 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

WORSHIP THAT GOD APPROVES,Chapter Fifteen

Jehovah God deeply cares for us and wants us to benefit from his loving direction. If we worship him in the right way, we will be happy and will avoid  many problems in life.  We will also have his blessing and his help. (Isaiah 48:17)  There are, however, hundreds of religions that claim to teach the truth about God. Yet, they differ greatly in their teachings about who God is and what he expects of us. 

How can you know the right way to worship Jehovah?  You do  not have to study to compare the teachings of all the many religions. You need only to learn what the Bible really teaches about true worship. To illustrate:  In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it?  By memorizing every kind of counterfeit?  No. Your time  would be better spent if you studied real money.  After you know what real money looked like, you could recognize  a counterfeit. Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religions  that are false. 

It is important that we worship Jehovah in the way that he approves.  Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that.  It is not even enough just to claim to be a Christian.  Jesus said:  "Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will."   To  have God's approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it.  Jesus called  those who do not do God's will "workers of lawlessness."  (Matthew 7:21-23)  Like counterfeit money, false religion has no real value.  Even worse, such religion is actually harmful.

Jehovah gives everyone on earth the opportunity to gain everlasting life.  To have eternal life in Paradise, however, we must worship God properly and live now in a way that is acceptable to him. Sadly, many refuse to do so.  That is why Jesus said:  "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and specious  is the road  leading off into destruction, and many are the ones finding it."  (Matthew 7:13, 14) True religion leads to everlasting life. False religions leads to destruction.  Jehovah does not want any human to be destroyed, and  that is why he is giving people everywhere an opportunity to learn about him.  (2 Peter 3:9)  Really, then, the way we worship God means either life or death for us.

Next time:  HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TRUE RELIGION

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

THE KEY TO FAMILY HAPPINESS

Family problems are easier to cop with when Bible counsel is applied.  In fact, applying such counsel is the key to family happiness.  So husbands, love your wife and treat her as Jesus treats his congregation.  Wives, submit  to the headship of your husband, and follow the example of the capable wife describes at Proverbs 31:10-31. Parents, train your children.  (Proverbs 22:6) Fathers, 'preside over your household in a fine manner.' (1 Timothy 3:4, 5; 5:8)  And children, obey your parents.  (Colossians 3:20) None in the family  are perfect, for all make mistakes. So be humble, asking one another for forgiveness.

Truly, the Bible contains a wealth of valuable counsel and instruction regarding  family life.  Moreover, it teaches us about God's new world and an earthly  paradise filled with happy people who worship Jehovah.  (Revelation 21:3, 4)  What wonder prospects lie ahead!  Even now, we can enjoy a happy family life by applying God's instructions found in his Word, the Bible. 

Next time: Worship That God Approves, Chapter Fifteen

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

A MODEL FOR CHILDREN

Can children learn from Jesus?  Yes, they can!  By his own example, Jesus showed how children should obey their parents.  "Just as the Father taught me," he said, "I speak."  He added: "I always do the things pleasing to him."  (John 8:28, 29) Jesus was obedient to his heavenly Father, and the Bible tells children to obey their parents.  (Ephesians 6:1-3) Although Jesus was a perfect child, he obeyed his human parents, Joseph and Mary, who were imperfect.  That surely contributed to the happiness of every member of Jesus' family! -Luke 2:4, 5, 51, 52.

Can children see ways that they can be more like Jesus and make their parents happy?  True, young ones may sometimes find it hard to obey their parents, but that is what God wants children to do.  (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20) Jesus always obeyed his heavenly Father, even under difficult circumstances.  Once, when it was God's will that Jesus doing especially hard, Jesus said: "Remove this cup [a certain requirement] from me." Nevertheless, Jesus did what God asked, because he realized that his Father knew best.  (Luke 22:42)  By learning to be obedient, children will make their parents happy and their heavenly Father very happy." -Proverbs 23:22-25. 

The Devil tempted Jesus, and we can be sure that he will also tempt young ones to do what is wrong.  (Matthew 4:1-10) Satan the Devil uses peer pressure , which can be hard to resist.  How vital it is, then, that children not keep; company with wrongdoers! (1 Corinthians 15:33) Jacob's  daughter Dina kept company with those who did nor worship Jehovah, and this led to a lot of trouble. (Genesis 34:1, 2)  Think of how the family could be hurt if one of its members   were to become involved in sexual immorality! -Proverbs 17:21, 25. 

Next time: THE KEY TO FAMILY HAPPINESS

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

A PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR PARENTS

Jesus set an example for parents in the way he treated children.  When others tried to prevent the little ones from approaching Jesus, he said: "Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them."  The Bible says that he then "took the children  into his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands upon them." (Mark 10:13-16) Since Jesus took time for his little ones, should you not do the same for your own sons and daughters?  They need, not small bits of your time, but large amounts of it. You need to take time to teach them, for that is what Jehovah instructs parents to do. -Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

As this world becomes ever more wicked, children need parents who will protect them from people who seek to harm them, such as sexual predators.  Consider how Jesus protected his disciples, whom he affectionately called "little children."  When he was arrested and would  soon be killed, Jesus made the way for them to escape.  (John 13:33; 18:7-9)    As  a parent, you need to be alert to the Devil's attempts to harm your little ones.  You need to give them advance warning.  (1 Peter 5:8)  Never before has the threat to their physical, spiritual, and moral safety been greater. 

On the night before Jesus died, his disciples argued about who was greater among them. Rather than become angry with them, Jesus lovingly continued to appeal to them  by word and example.  (Luke 22:24-27; John 13:3-8)  If you are a parent, can you see how you might follow Jesus' example in the way you correct your children? True, they need discipline, but it should be given to "the proper degree" And never in anger.  You would not want to speak thoughtlessly "as with the stabs of a sword."  (Jeremiah 30:11; Proverbs  12:18) Discipline should be delivered in such a way that your child  will later see how appropriate it was. -Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:9-11. 

Next time: A MODEL FOR CHILDREN

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

AN EXAMPLE FOR WIVES

A family is an organization, and to operate smoothly it needs a head. Even Jesus has One he submits to as his Head.  "The Head of the Christ is God," just as "the head of a woman is the  man." (1 Corinthians 11:3) Jesus ' submission to God's headship is a fine example, since all of us have a head to whom we must submit.

Imperfect men make mistakes and often fall short of being ideal family heads. So, what should a wife do?  She should not belittle what her husband does or try to take over his headship.  A wife does well to remember that in God's view, a quiet and mild spirit is of great value. (1 Peter 3:4)  By displacing such a spirit, she will find it easier to demonstrate godly subjection, even under trying  circumstances.  Furthermore, the Bible says: "The wife should have deep respect for her husband." (Ephesians 5:33)  But what if he does not accept Christ as his Head? The Bible urges wives:  "Be in subjection to your own husband, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect." -1 Peter 3:1, 2.

Whether her husband is a fellow believer or not, a wife is not showing disrespect if she tactfully expresses an opinion that differs from his.  Her viewpoint  may be correct, and the whole family  could benefit if he listened to her.  Although Abraham did not agree with his wife, Sarah, recommended  a practical solution to a certain household problem, God told him:  "Listen to her voice." (Genesis 21:9-12) Of course, when a husband makes a final decision that does not conflict with God's law, his wife shows her subjection by supporting it. -Acts 5:29; Ephesians 5:24.  

In fulfilling her role, a wife can do much in caring for the family.  For example, the Bible shows that married women are "to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands." (Titus 2:4, 5)  A wife and mother who acts in this way will gain the lasting love and respect of her family.  (Proverbs 31:10, 28)  Since marriage is  a union of imperfect individuals, however, some extreme circumstances may result in separation or divorce.  The Bible allows for separation under certain circumstances. Yet, separation must not be taken lightly, for the Bible counsels:  "A wife should not depart from her husband; . . .and a husband should not leave his wife." (1 Corinthians 7:10, 11)  And only fornication/adultery by one of the  marriage mates provides Scriptural grounds for divorce. -Matthew 19:9. 

Next time: A PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR PARENTS 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach?  2005 and 2006

A MODEL FOR HUSBANDS

The Bible says that husbands should treat their wives in the same way that Jesus treats his disciples.  Consider this Bible direction:  "Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it . . .In this way husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, as the Christ does the congregation." -Ephesians 5:23, 25-29. 

Jehovah's love for his congregation  of disciples sets a perfect example for husbands. Jesus "loved them  to the end," sacrificing his life for them, even though they were far from perfect.  (John 13:1; 15:13)  Similarly, husbands are urged:  "Keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them."  (Colossians 3:19)  What will help a husband to apply such counsel, especially if his wife at times fails to act with discretion?  He should remember his own mistakes and what he must do to  receive God's forgiveness.  What is that?  He must forgive those who sin against him, and  that includes his wife.  Of course, she should do the same.  (Matthew 6:12, 14, 15)  Do you see  why some have said that  a successful marriage is the union of two good forgivers? 

Husbands also do well to note that Jesus always showed consideration for his disciples.  He took into account their limitations and physical needs.  When they were tired, for example, he said:  "Come, you yourselves, privately into  a lonely place and rest up a bit."  (Mark 6:30-32) Wives too deserve thoughtful consideration.  The Bible describes them as "a weaker vessel" to whom  husbands are commanded to "assign respect." Why?  Because both husbands and wives share equally in "the undeserved favor of life.' (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands should remember that it is faithfulness, not whether a person is male or female, that makes one precious to God. -Psalm 101:6. 

The Bible says that a husband "who loves his wife loves himself."  This is because a man and his wife "are no longer two, but one flesh," as Jesus pointed out. (Matthew 19:6) So they must limit their sexual interests to each other. (Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4)  They can do this if they show unselfish concern for each other's needs.  (1 Corinthians  7:3-5) Noteworthy is the reminder: "No man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it." Husbands need to love their wives as they do themselves, remembering that they are accountable to their own head, Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 5:29; 1 Corinthians 11:3.

The apostle Paul spoke of the 'tender affection that Christ Jesus has.' (Philippians 1:8) Jesus' tenderness was a refreshing quality, on that was appealing to women who became his disciples. (John 20:1,11-13, 16) And wives yearn for tender affection from their husbands.  



Next time: AN EXAMPLE FOR WIVES

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006  

DIVINE ORIGIN OF HUMAN FAMILY

Jehovah created the first humans, Adam and Eve,  and  brought them together as husband and wife. He put them in a beautiful earthly paradise home-the garden of Eden-and told them to have children.  "Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth," said Jehovah.  (Genesis 1:26-28, 21-24) This is not just a story or a myth, for Jesus showed that what Genesis says about the start of family life is true. (Matthew 19:4, 5) Although we face many problems and life now is not as God purposed it to be, let us see why happiness within the family is possible. 

Each member of the family can help  to make family life happy by imitating God in showing love. (Ephesians  5:1, 2) How, though, can we imitate God, since we cannot  even see him?  We can learn how Jehovah acts because he sent his firstborn Son from heaven to the earth.  (John 1:14, 18)  When on earth, this Son, Jesus Christ , imitated his heavenly Father so well that seeing and listening to Jesus was just like being with Jehovah and hearing Him.  (John 14:9) Therefore, by learning about the love that Jesus showed and following his  example, each one of us can help to make family life happier.

Next time:  A MODEL FOR HUSBANDS

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

How to Make Your Family Life Happy, Chapter Fourteen

JEHOVAH GOD wants your family life to be happy. His Word, the Bible, provides guidelines for each family member, describing the role that God wants each one to play.  When family members fulfill their roles in harmony with God's counsel, the results are very satisfying.  Jesus said:"Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!" -Luke 11:28.

Family happiness depends mainly on our recognizing that the family originates with Jehovah, the one Jesus called "Our Father."  (Matthew 6:9) Every family on earth exists because of our heavenly Father-and he certainly knows what makes families happy.  (Ephesians 3:14, 15) So, what does the Bible teach about the role of each family member? 

Next time: DIVINE ORIGIN OF HUMAN FAMILY

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

THE ONLY PROPER USE OF BLOOD

The Mosaic Law emphasized the one proper use of blood. Regarding the worship required of the ancient Israelites, Jehovah commanded:  "The soul [or, life]  of the flesh is in the blood, and I myself have to put it upon the  altar for you to make atonement."  (Leviticus 17:11)  When the Israelites  sinned, they could obtain forgiveness by offering an animal and having some of its blood put on the altar at the tabernacle or later at God's temple.  The only proper use of blood was in such sacrifices. 

True Christians are not under the Mosaic Law and therefore do not offer animal sacrifices and put the blood of the animals on  an altar.  (Hebrews 10:1)  However, the use of blood on the altar in the days of ancient Israel pointed forward to the precious sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ. As we learned in Chapter 5 of this book, Jesus gave his human life for us by letting his blood be shed as a sacrifice. Then he ascended to heaven and once for all time offered the value of the shed blood to God.  (Hebrews 9:11, 12)  That laid the basis for the forgiveness of our sins and opened the way for us to gain everlasting life.  (Matthew 20:28; John 3:16) How extremely important that  use of blood has proved to be!  (1 Peter 1:18, 19)  Only by means of faith in the merit of Jesus' shed blood can we gain salvation. 

 We can be so grateful to Jehovah God for the loving provision of life!  And should that not motivate us to tell others about the opportunity to gain everlasting live on the basis of faith in Jesus' sacrifice?  Godly concern for the lives of fellow humans will move us to do this with eagerness and zeal.  (Ezekiel 3:17-21) If we diligently fulfill this responsibility, we will be able to say, as did the apostle Paul:  "I am clean from the blood of all men, for I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God." (Acts  20:26, 27) Telling people about God and his purposes is a fine way to show that we have the highest regard for life and blood.  

Next time: How to Make Your Family Life Happy, Chapter Fourteen

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

Conclusion of: SHOWING RESPECT FOR BLOOD

Does the command to abstain from blood include blood transfusions? Yes. To illustrate:  Suppose a doctor were to tell you to abstain from alcoholic beverages. Would that simply mean that you should not drink alcohol but that you should have injected it into your veins?  Of course not! Likewise, abstaining from blood means not taking it into our bodies at all.  So the command to abstain from blood means that we would not allow anyone to transfuse blood into our veins. 
 ( Note: That means do not donate blood either,  they may tell you that it has been checked, but they can't always do that, and with the corruptness of the government, and Satan running the world, I would not trust getting blood anyway, it was the government that brought the HIV into this country by a monkey who was infected; they will deny it, but its true)  

What if a Christian is badly injured or is in need of major surgery?  Suppose doctors say that he must have a blood transfusion or he will die?  Of course, the Christian would not want to die.  (even though not everyone are Christians)  In an effort to preserve God's precious gift of life, he would accept other kinds of treatment that do not involve the misuse of blood.  (the doctors know about the non-blood treatment, but they tend to get lazy and don't want to use it)  Hence, he would seek such medical attention if that is available (it is) and would accept a variety of alternatives to blood.  (note: that is what I have put in my living will) 

Would a Christian break God's law just to stay alive a little longer in this system of things?  Jesus said:  "Whoever,wants to save his soul [or, life] will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25)  We do not want to die. (I am not afraid,with the way the world is now, i would be better off) But if we tried to save our present life by breaking God's law, we would be in danger of losing everlasting life. We are wise, then, to put our trust in the rightness of God's law, with full confidence that if we die in any cause, our Life-Giver will remember us in the resurrection and restore to us the precious gift of life. -John 5:28, 29; Hebrews 11:6. 

Today, faithful servants of God firmly resolve to follow his direction regarding blood.  They will not eat it in any form. Nor will they accept blood for medical reasons.  They are sure that the Creator of blood knows what is best for them. Do you believe that he does?  (Yes, I have complete and utter faith in God) 

Next time: THE ONLY PROPER USE OF BLOOD

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006 

SHOWING RESPECT FOR BLOOD

After Cain killed his brother Abel, Jehovah told Cain:  "Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground." (Genesis 4:10) When God spoke of Abel's blood, he was speaking of Abel's life. Cain had taken Abel's life and now Cain would have to be punished. It was as if Abel's blood, or life, were crying out to Jehovah for justice.  The connection between life and blood was again shown after the Flood of Noah's day. Before the Flood, humans ate only fruits, vegetable, grains, and nuts. After the Flood, Jehovah told Noah and his sons: "Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for you." However, God set this restriction:  "Only flesh with its soul [or, life] -its blood-you must not eat."  (Genesis 1:29; 9:3, 4)  (note: that means no med well, med rare or rare meat, no drinking the blood, no transfusions-there is a non blood method that can be used now because it is our soul and the animal's )  Clearly, Jehovah links very closely the life and blood of a creature. 

We show respect for blood by not eating it. In the Law that Jehovah gave the Israelites, he commanded: "As for any man . ..who in hunting catches a wild beast or a fowl that may be eaten, he must in that case pour its blood out and cover it with dust. . . I said to the sons of Israel: you must not eat the blood of any sort of flesh.'" (Leviticus 17:13, 14) God's command not to eat animal blood, first given to Noah some 800 years  earlier, was/is still in force. Jehovah's view was clear: His servants could eat animal meat, but not the blood.  They were to pour the blood on the ground- (or cook it well done in this regard) in effect, returning the creature's life to God. 

A similar command rests upon Christians. The apostles and other men taking the lead among Jesus' followers in the first century met together to decide what commands had to be obeyed by all in the Christian congregation. They came to this conclusion:  "The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols  and from blood and from things strangled [leaving the blood in the meat]  and from fornication."  (Acts 15:28, 29; 21:25)  So we must keep  'abstaining from blood.' In God's eyes, our doing that is as important as our avoiding idolatry and sexual immorality. 

Next time: Conclusion of: SHOWING RESPECT FOR BLOOD 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006 

SHOWING RESPECT FOR LIFE

What about showing respect for our own life? People normally do not want to die, but some risk death for the sake of pleasure.  For example, many use tobacco, chew betel  nut, or take drugs for recreational purposes. Such substances harm the body and often kill the users.  A person who makes it a practice to use these substances do not view life as sacred.  These practices are unclean in God's eyes.  (Romans 6:19; 12:1; 2 Corinthians 7:1) To serve God acceptably, we have to give up such practices. Although doing so might be very hard,  Jehovah can give us the needed help. And he appreciates the effort we make to treat our life as  precious gift from him.

If we have respect for life, we will keep in mind the need to be safety conscious.  We will not be careless and will not take risks just for pleasure or excitement.  We will avoid reckless driving and violent or dangerous sports.  (Psalm 11:5) (note: to do so would be testing God and he doesn't like that) God law for ancient Israel  stated:  "In case you build a new house [with a flat roof], you must also make a parapet [ or, a low wall for your roof, that you may not place bloodguilt upon your house because someone falling might fall  from it." (Deuteronomy 22:8)  In harmony with the principle set out in that law, keep such things as stairs in good condition in your home so that someone does not trip, fall, and get badly hurt.  If you own a car, make sure that it is safe to drive.  Do not let either your home or your car be a danger to you or to others. 

What about the  life of an animal?  That too is sacred to the Creator.  God permits the killing of animals to obtain food and clothing  or to protect people from danger.  (Genesis 3:21; 9:3; Exodus 21:28)  However, being cruel to animals or killing them just for sport is wrong and shows utter disregard for the sacredness of life. -Proverbs 12:10. 

Next time: SHOWING RESPECT FOR BLOOD

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

SHOWING RESPECT FOR LIFE

God wants us to have respect for life-both our own and that of others. Back in the days of Adam and Eve, for example, their son Cain became very angry with his younger brother Abel.  Jehovah warned Cain that his anger could lead him to serious sin. Cain ignored that warning.  He 'assaulted Abel his brother and killed him.' (Genesis 4:3-8) Jehovah punished Cain for murdering his brother. -Genesis 4:9-11.

Thousands of years later, Jehovah gave the people of Israel laws to help them serve him acceptably. Because these laws were given through the prophet Moses, they are sometimes called the Mosaic Law. Part of the Mosaic Law said: "You must not murder." (Deuteronomy 5:17) This showed the Israelites that God values human life and that people must value the lives of others.

What about the life o of an unborn child?  Well, according to the Mosaic Law, causing the death of a baby in its mother's womb was wrong. Yes, even such a life is precious to Jehovah.  (Exodus 21:22, 23; Psalm 127:3)  This means that abortion is wrong. 

Having respect for life includes having the right view of fellow humans. The Bible says:  "Everyone who hates his brother is a manslayer, and you know that no manslayer has everlasting  life remaining in him." (1 John 3:15)  If we want  everlasting life, we need to root out of our heart any hatred for our fellowman, because hatred is the root cause of most violence.  (1 John 3:11, 12) It is vital that we learn to love one another.  

Next time: Conclusion of: SHOWING RESPECT FOR LIFE

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

A Godly View of Life, Chapter Thirteen

"JEHOVAH is in truth God," said the prophet Jeremiah.  "He is the living God."  (Jeremiah 10:10) Furthermore, Jehovah God is the Creator of all living things. Heavenly creatures said to him: "You created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11) In a song of praise to God, King David said: "With you is the source of life." (David 36:9)  Life, then, is a gift from God.

Jehovah also sustains our lives. (Acts 17:28)  He provides the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the land we live on.  (Acts 14:15-17)  Jehovah has done this in a way that makes life enjoyable. But to enjoy life to the full, we need to learn God's laws and obey them. -Isaiah 48:17, 18.

Next time: SHOWING RESPECT FOR LIFE

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

DEVELOPING GODLY QUALITIES

Of course, more is involved in pleasing Jehovah than avoiding things that he hates.  You also need to love what he loves. (Romans 12:9) Do you not feel drawn to those who share your views, interests, and values?  Jehovah does too. So learn to love the things  that Jehovah holds dear.  Some of these are described at Psalm 15:1-5, where we read about those whom God considers his friends.  Jehovah's friends display what the Bible calls "the fruitage of the spirit."  It includes  such qualities as "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control." -Galatians 5:22, 23.

Reading and studying the Bible regularly will help you to develop godly qualities. And learning what God requires will help you to harmonize your thoughts with God's thinking.  (Isaiah 30:20, 21)  The more you strengthen your love for Jehovah, the greater will be your desire to live in a way that pleases God. 

Effort is required to live in a way that pleases Jehovah. The Bible likens  changing your life to stripping off your old personality and clothing yourself with a new one. (Colossians 3:9, 10) But regarding Jehovah's commandments, the psalmist wrote: "In the keeping of them there is a large reward." (Psalm 19:11) You too will find that living in a way that pleases God  is richly rewarding.  By so doing, you will give an answer to Satan's challenge and make Jehovah's heart rejoice!

Next time: A Godly View of Life, Chapter Thirteen

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

SHUN WHAT JEHOVAH HATES

Manslaughter. -Exodus 20:13; 21:22, 23.

Sexual Immorality. -Leviticus  20:10, 13, 15, 16;
Romans 1:24, 266, 27, 32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

Spiritism. -Deuteronomy 18:9-13; 1 Corinthians  10:21, 22; 
Galatians 5:20, 21.

Idolatry. -1 Corinthians 10:14.

Drunkenness. -1 Corinthians 5:11. 

Stealing .-Leviticus 6:2, 4; Ephesians 4:28.

Lying.-Proverbs 6:16, 19; Colossians 3:9; Revelation 22:15.

Greed. -1 Corinthians 5:11. 

Violence.-Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 22:24, 24; Malachi 2:16; 
Galatians  5:20.

Improper speech. -Leviticus 19:16; Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8.

Misuse of blood.-Genesis 9:4; Acts 15:20, 28, 29.

Refusal to provide for one's family. -1 Timothy 5:8. 

Participation in wars or political controversies of this world. -Isaiah 2:4; John 6:15; 17:16.

Use of Tobacco or so-call recreational drugs. -Mark 15:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1. 

Next time: DEVELOPING GODLY QUALITIES

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

OBEYING JEHOVAH'S COMMANDMENTS

You can answer Satan's challenge by living in a way that  pleases God. What does this involve?  The Bible answers: "You must love Jehovah your God with all you heart and all your soul and all your vital force." (Deuteronomy 6:5) As your love for God grows, you will be filled with the desire to do what he requires of you.  "This is what the love of God means," wrote the apostle John, "that we observe his commandments."  ( note: what is left out here are statutes that they did not mention, but the commandments are first and foremost most important)  If you love Jehovah with your whole heart, you will find that "his commandments and statutes are not burdensome." -1 John 5:3. 

What are Jehovah's commandments?  Some of them involve conduct that we must avoid.  First, is to love Jehovah God as mentioned above, second; Love thy fellowman as you love yourself; third; You must not take up the Lord's name in vain; fourth; for six days you may work, but on the Sabbath day, you do not work, you spend it worshiping God; fifth; honor your mother and your father, (note: this does not mean that you make up a holiday to honor them; you only are suppose to honor God. You just make sure your parents are provided for in housing food etc. that is how you honor them) sixth; you must not murder anyone.  Seventh; you must not commit adultery, eighth; you must not steal, ninth; you must not testify falsely against your fellowman; and tenth you must not desire your fellowman's house, you must not desire your fellowman's wife, not his slave man or girl; nor his bull, nor his ass; not anything that belongs to your fellowman. "Shun what Jehovah Hates."   Making changes  in your conduct may be the greatest challenge you have ever faced. Yet, living in a way that pleases God brings great satisfaction and happiness.  (Isaiah 48:P17, 18)  And it is something that  is within your reach.  How do we know that?

Jehovah never asks more of us than we can do. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) He knows our potential and our limitations better than we do. (Psalm 103:14)  Moreover,  Jehovah can give us the strength to obey him.  The apostle Paul wrote:  "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) To help you endure, Jehovah can even supply you with "power beyond what is normal." (2 Corinthians 4:7)  After enduring many trials, Paul could say: "For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me." -Philippians 4:13.  (note: this is all true) 

Next time: SHUN WHAT JEHOVAH HATES

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

HOW YOU ARE INVOLVED

The issue of integrity to God that was raised by Satan was not directed against Job alone.  You too are involved. This is clearly shown at Proverbs 27:11, where  Jehovah's Word says: "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me." These words, written hundreds of years after Job's  death, show that Satan was still taunting God and accusing His servants. When we live in a way that pleases Jehovah, we  actually help to give an answer to Satan's false charges, and in that way we make God's heart rejoice.  How do you feel about that? Would it not be wonderful to have a part in answering the Devil's lying claims, even if it means making certain changes in your life? 

Notice that Satan said: "Everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul." (Job 2:4)  By saying "a man," Satan made it clear that his charge applied not just to Job but to all humans.  That is a very important point. Satan has called into question your integrity to God.  The Devil would like to see you disobey God and abandon a righteous course when difficulties arise. How might Satan try to accomplish this?  

As discussed in Chapter 10, Satan uses various methods to try to turn people away from  God.  On the one hand, he attacks  "like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone." (1 Peter 5:8)  Thus Satan's influence may be seen when friends, relatives, or others oppose your efforts to study the Bible and apply what you learn.  (John 15:19, 20)  On the other hand, Satan "keeps transforming himself into an angel of light."  (2 Corinthians  11:14)  The Devil can use subtle means to mislead you and lure you away from a godly way of life.  He can also use discouragement, perhaps causing you to feel that you are not good enough to please God.  (Proverbs 24:10)  Whether Satan is acting like " a roaring lion" or posing as "an angel of light,"  his challenge remains the same.  he sways that when you are faced with trials or temptations, you will stop serving God.  How can you answer his challenge and prove your integrity to God, as Job did?

Next time: OBEYING JEHOVAH'S COMMANDMENTS 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really  Teach? 2005 and 2006

JOB IS TESTED

Satan soon tested Job in a number of ways.  Some of Job's animals were stolen, and others were killed.  Most of his servants were slaughtered. This brought economic hardship. Further  tragedy struck when Job's ten children died in a storm. Despite these terrible events, however, "Job did not sin or ascribe anything improper to God."-Job 1:22.

Satan did not give up.  He must have thought that although Job could endure the loss of his possessions, servants, and children, he would turn against God, if he became sick.  Jehovah let Satan strike Job with a disgusting, painful disease.  But even this did not cause Job to lose faith in God. Rather, he firmly said: "Until I expire I shall not lose my integrity!" -Job 27:5. 

Job was not aware that Satan was the cause of his troubles. Not knowing the details about the Devil's challenge of Jehovah's sovereignty, Job feared  that god was the source of his problems.  (Job 6:4; 16:11-14) Still, he kept his integrity to Jehovah.  And Satan's claim that served God for selfish reasons was prove false by Job's faithful course! 

Job's faithfulness provided Jehovah with a forceful reply to Satan's insulting challenge. Job truly was Jehovah's friend, and God rewarded him for his faithful course. -Job 42:12-17. 

Next time: HOW YOU ARE INVOLVED

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

SATAN'S CHALLENGE

Chapter 11 of this book explained how Satan the Devil challenged God's sovereignty.  Satan charged God with lying and implied that Jehovah was unfair in not letting Adam and Eve  decide for themselves what was right and what was wrong. After Adam and Eve sinned and as the earth begin to be filled with their offspring, Satan questioned the motive of all humans.  "People do not serve God because they love him,"  Satan charged.  "Give me a chance, and I can turn anyone against God."  The account of the man named Job shows that this is what Satan believed. Who was Job, and how was he involved with Satan's challenge? (note: Job was not informed of this challenge between Satan and God )

Job lived about 3,600 years ago.  He was a good man, for Jehovah said:  "There is no one like him in the earth, a man blameless and upright, fearing God and turning aside from bad." (Job  1:8) Job was pleasing to God.

Satan questioned Job's motive for serving God.  The Devil said to Jehovah:  "Have not you yourself put up a hedge about [Job] and about his house and about everything that he has all around?  The work of his hands you have blessed, and his livestock itself has spread abroad in the earth. But, for a change, thrust out your hand, please, and touch everything he has and see whether he will not curse you to your very face." -Job 1:10, 11. 

Satan thus argued that Job served God just for what he got in return.   The Devil also charged that if Job was tested, he would turn against God.  How did Jehovah respond to Satan's  challenge?  Since the issue  involved Job's motive, Jehovah allowed Satan to test Job. In this way, Job's love for God-or lack of it-would be clearly shown. 

Next time: JOB IS TESTED 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

JEHOVAH STRENGTHENS HIS FRIENDS

Think about what friendship with God means.  The Bible says that Jehovah is looking for opportunities 'to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) How can Jehovah show his strength in your behalf?  One way is brought out at Psalm  32:8, where we read:  "I [Jehovah] shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you." 

What a touching expression of Jehovah's care!   He will give you needed direction and watch over you as you apply it.  God wants to help you get through your trials and tests.  (Psalm 55:22)  So if you serve Jehovah with a complete heart, you can be as confident  as the psalmist who said: "I have place Jehovah is front of me constantly. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be made to totter."  (Psalm 16:8; 63:8) Yes, Jehovah can help you to live in a way that pleases him.  But, as you know, there is an enemy of God who would like to keep you doing this. 

Next time: SATAN'S CHALLENGE 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

Living in a Way That Pleases God, Chapter Twelve

WHAT kind of person would you choose as a friend? Very likely you would want the company of someone who shares your views, interests, and values. And you would be drawn to one who has fine qualities, such as honesty and kindness.

Throughout history, God has chosen certain humans to be his close friends.  For example, Jehovah called Abraham his friend.  (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23) God referred to David as "a man agreeable to my heart" because he was the kind of person Jehovah loves.  (Acts 13:22)  And Jehovah viewed the prophet Daniel as "someone very desirable." -Daniel 9:23.

Why did Jehovah consider Abraham, David, and Daniel to be his friends?  Well, he told Abraham:  "You have listened to my voice."  (Genesis 22:18)  So Jehovah draws close to those who humbly do what he asks of them.  "Obey my voice," he told the Israelites, "and I will become your God, and you yourselves will become my people." (Jeremiah 7:23) If you obey Jehovah, you too can become his friend! 

Next time: JEHOVAH STRENGTHENS HIS FRIENDS

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

HOW WILL YOU USE THE GIFT FROM GOD?

As was noted in Chapter 5, humans were created with free will.  Do you realize what a precious gift that  is?  God has made countless animals, and these are driven largely by instinct. (Proverbs 30:24) Man has made some robots that can be programmed to follow every command. Would we be happy if God had made us like that?  No, we are glad to have the freedom to make choices about what kind of person to become, what course of life to pursue, what friendships to form, and so on.  We love to have measure of freedom, and that is what God wants us to enjoy.  

(note; the thing is, we use the freedom in  making too many mistakes and bad choices)

Jehovah is not interested in service performed under compulsion.  (2 Corinthians 9:7)  To illustrate: What would please a parent more-a child saying "I love you" because he is told to say it or his saying it freely from the heart?  So the question is, How will you use the free will that Jehovah has given you?  Satan, Adam, and Eve made  the worse possible  use of free will.  They rejected Jehovah God.  What will you do?

You have the opportunity to put the marvelous gift o free will to the best possible use. You can join the millions who have taken a stand on Jehovah's side.  They make God rejoice because they take an active part in proving Satan a  liar and a miserable failure as a ruler.  (Proverbs 27:11) You too can dot hat by choosing the right course of life. This will be explained in the next chapter. 

Next time: Living in a Way That Pleases God, Chapter Twelve

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

WHY SO LONG?

Why, though, has Jehovah allowed suffering to go on for so long? And why does  he not prevent bad things from happening?  Well, consider two things that the teacher in the illustration would not do. First, he would not stop the rebel student from presenting  his case. Second, the teacher would not help the rebel student to make his case. Similarly, consider two things that Jehovah has determined not to do. First, he has not stopped Satan and those who side with him from trying to prove that they are right.  Allowing time to pass has thus been necessary.  In the thousands of years of human history, mankind has been able to try every form of self-rule, or human government. Mankind has made some advances in science and other fields, but injustice, poverty, crime, and war have grown ever worse.  Human rule has now been shown to be a failure.

Second, Jehovah has not helped Satan to rule this world. If God were to prevent these horrible crimes, for instance, would he not, in effect, be supporting the case of the rebels?  Would God not be making people think that perhaps  humans can govern themselves without disastrous results? If Jehovah were to act in that way, he would become party to a lie." -Hebrews 6:18. 

What, though, about all the harm that has been done during the long rebellion  against God?  We do well to remember that Jehovah is almighty. Therefore, he can and will undo all the effects of mankind's suffering.  As we have already learned, the ruining of our planet will be undone by the turning of the earth into Paradise.  The effects of sin will be removed  through faith in Jesus ransom sacrifice the effects of death will be reversed by means of the resurrection. God will thus us Jesus "to break up the works of the Devil." (1 John 3:8) Jehovah will bring all this abotu at just the right time. we can be glad tha the has not acted sooner,m for his patience has given us the opportunity to learn the truth and to serve him.  (2 Peter 3:9, 10) Meanwhile, God has been actively seeking sincere worshieprs and helping them to endure any suffering that may come upon them in this troubled world. -John 4:23; 1 Corinthians 10:13.                     

Some might wonder, Could all this suffering have been prevented if God had created Adam and Eve in such a way that they could not rebel? To answer that question, you need to remember a precious gift that Jehovah has given you. 

Next time: HOW WILL YOU USE THE GIFT FROM GOD?

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

A VITAL ISSUE IS RAISED

To find out why God allows suffering, we need to think back to the time when suffering began. When Satan led Adam and Eve into disobeying Jehovah, and important question was raised.  Satan did not call into question Jehovah's power. Rather, Satan questioned Jehovah's right to rule.  By calling God a liar who withholds good from his subjects, Satan charged that Jehovah is a bad ruler.  (Genesis 3:2-5)  Satan implied that mankind  would be better off without God's rulership.  (Well we all know how that turned out; not very well without God. Man gets corrupt too easily and couldn't run squat right)   This was an attack on Jehovah's sovereignty, his right to rule. 

Adam and Eve rebelled against Jehovah. In effect, they said: "We do not need Jehovah as our Ruler. We can decide for ourselves  what is right and what is wrong." How could Jehovah settle that issue? How could he teach  all intelligent creatures that the rebels were wrong and that his way truly is best?  Someone might say that God should simply have destroyed the rebels and make a fresh start.  But Jehovah had stated his purpose to fill the earth with the offspring of Adam and Eve, and he wanted them to live in an earthly paradise.  (Genesis 1:28)  Jehovah always fulfills his purposes.  (Isaiah 55:10, 11)  Besides that, getting rid of the rebels in Eden would not have answered  the question that had been raised regarding Jehovah's right to rule.

Let us consider an illustration. Imagine that a teacher is telling his students how to solve a difficult problem.  A clever but rebellious student claims that the teacher's way of solving the problem is wrong. Implying that the teacher is not capable, this rebel insists that he knows a much better way to solve the problem.  Some students thin that he is right, and they also become rebellions.   What should the teacher do?  (This is not a correct example, it is a lot different than ruling a world and should not be compared)  If he throws the rebels out of the class, what will be the effect on the other students?  Will they not believe  that their fellow student and those who joined him are right?  All the other students in the class might lose respect for the teacher, thinking that  he is afraid of being proved wrong.  But suppose that the teacher allows the rebel to show the class how he would solve  the problem.

Jehovah has done something similar to what the teacher  does. Remember that the rebels in Eden were not the only ones involved.   Millions of angels were watching.  (Job 38:7; Daniel 7:10)  How Jehovah handled the rebellion would greatly affect all those angels and eventually all intelligent creation.  So, what has Jehovah done? He has allowed Satan to show how he would rule mankind.  God has allowed humans to govern themselves under Satan's guidance.   (And man, sinful, imperfect man thinks they know it all, well he full of crap and so wrong ) 

The teacher in our illustration knows that a rebel and the students on his side are wrong.  But he also knows that allowing them    the opportunity to try to prove their point will benefit   the whole class. When the rebels  fail, all honest students will see that the teacher is the only one qualified to lead the class.  They will understand why the teacher  thereafter removes any rebels  from the  class.   Similarly,   Jehovah knows that all honesthearted humans and angels will benefit from seeing  that Satan and his fellow rebels have failed and that humans cannot govern themselves. Like Jeremiah of old, they will learn this vital truth:  "I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong.  It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." -Jeremiah 0:23.

Next time: WHY SO LONG?

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

WHY SO MUCH SUFFERING?

People of various religions have gone to their religious leaders and teachers to ask why there is so much suffering.   Often, the response is that suffering is God's will and that he long ago determined everything that would ever happen, including tragic events.  (they say this because they really don't know squat)  Many are told that God's ways are mysterious or that he brings death upon people-even children-so that they can have them in heaven with him.  (if these so-called leaders actually read the Bible, they would know better than to say this garbage)  As you have learned, though, Jehovah God never causes what is bad. The Bible says: "Far be it from the true God to act wickedly, and the Almighty to act unjustly!" -Job 34:10.

Do you know why people make a mistake of blaming God for all the suffering in the world? In many cases, they blame the Almighty  God because they think that he is the real ruler of this world.  They do not know a simple but important truth that the Bible teaches.  You learned that truth in Chapter 3 of this book.  The real ruler of this earth is Satan the Devil. 

The Bible clearly states: "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) When you think about it, does that not make sense?  This world reflects the personality of the invisible spirit creature who is "misleading the entire inhabited earth."  (Revelation 12:9)  (Note: Satan gets in people's heads who do not know God and manipulates them) Satan is hateful, deceptive, and cruel.  So the world under his influence, is full of hatred, deceit, and cruelty. That is one reason why there is so much suffering. 

A second reason why there is so much suffering is that, as discussed in Chapter 3, mankind has been imperfect and sinful ever since the rebellion in the garden of Eden. Sinful humans tend to struggle for dominance, and this results in wars, oppression, and suffering. (Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9)  A third reason is  "time and unforeseen occurrence." (Ecclesiastes 9:11) In a world without Jehovah as a protective Ruler, people may suffer because they happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  

It is comforting for us to know that God does not cause suffering.  He is not responsible for the wars, the crimes, the oppression, or even the natural disasters that cause people to suffer.  Still, we need to know, Why does Jehovah allow all this suffering?  If he is the Almighty, he has the power to stop it. Why, then, does he hold back?  The loving God that we have come to know must have a good reason. -1 John 4:8. 

Next time:  A VITAL ISSUE IS RAISED 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really  Teach? 2005 and 2006. 

Why Does God Allow Suffering? Chapter Eleven

AFTER a terrible battle in a one war-torn land, the thousands of civilian women and children who had been killed were buried in a mass grave surrounded by markers. Each marker bore this inscription:  "Why?" Sometimes that is the most painful question of all. People ask it sadly when war, disaster, disease, or crime takes their innocent loved ones, destroys their home, or brings them untold suffering in other ways.  They want to know whey such tragedies befall them. 

Why does God allow suffering? If Jehovah God is all-powerful, loving, wise, and just, why is the world so full of hatred and injustice? Have you ever wondered about these things yourself? 

Is it wrong to ask why God allows suffering?  Some  worry that asking such a question means that they do not have enough faith or that they are showing disrespect for God.  When reading the Bible, however, you will find that faithful, God-fearing people had similar questions.  For example, the prophet Habakkuk asked Jehovah:  "Why is it that you make me see what is hurtful, and you keep looking upon mere trouble? And why are despoiling and violence in front of me, and why does quarreling occur and why is strife carried?" -Habakkuk 1:3.

Did Jehovah scold the faithful prophet Habakkuk for asking such questions? No. Instead, God included Habakkuk's sincere words  in the inspired Bible record.  God also helped him to get a clearer understanding of matters and to gain greater faith.  Jehovah wants to do the same for you.  (1 Peter 5:7) God hates wickedness and the suffering it causes  far more than any human does.  (Isaiah 55:8, 9) Why, then, is there so much suffering in this world.   (note: for one it is in the power of the wicked one, Satan. A lot of people do not believe that he exists. Believe me, he does) 

Next time: Why So Much Suffering? 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

Conclusion of: HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS

What other step did those Christians in Ephesus need to take?  They needed further protection because they were living in a city filled with demonism. So Paul told them:  "With every  form of prayer and supplication . .  .carry on  prayer on every occasion in spirit."  (Ephesians 6:18)   Since we too live in a world full of demonism, earnestly  praying to Jehovah for his protection is essential  in resisting wicked spirits. Of course, we need to use Jehovah's name in our  prayers.  (Proverbs 18:10)  Hence, we should keep on praying to God to "deliver us from the wicked one," Satan the Devil.  (Matthew 6:13)  Jehovah will answer such earnest prayers. -Psalm 145:19. 

Wicked spirits are dangerous, but we need not live in fear of them if we oppose the Devil and draw close to God by doing his will.  (James 4:7, 8)  The power of wicked spirits  is limited.  They were punished in Noah's day, and they face their final judgment in the future.  (Jude 6)  Remember, too, that we have the protection of Jehovah's powerful angels (2 Kings 6:15-17)  Those angels are deeply interested in seeing us succeed in resisting wicked spirits.  The righteous angels are cheering us on, so to speak. Let us therefore stay close to Jehovah and his family of faithful spirit creatures.  May we also avoid every kind of spiritism  and  always  apply the counsel of God's Word.  (1 Peter 5:6, 7; 2 Peter 2:9)  Then we can be sure of victory in our fight against wicked spirit creatures. 

But why has God tolerated evil spirits  and the wickedness that has cause people so much suffering?  That question will be answered in the next chapter.  

Next time: Why Does God Allow Suffering? Chapter Eleven

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006 

HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS

The Bible tells us both how to resist wicked spirits and how to break free from them.  ( note:  although, since Satan is running the world right now, you can never be totally free, but you can be really close if you are in  God's favor)  Consider the  example of the first-century Christians in the city of Ephesus. Some of them practiced spiritism before becoming Christians.  When they decided  to break free from spiritism, what did they do? The Bible says: "Quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together  and burned them up before everybody."  (Acts 19:19)  By destroying  their books on magic, those new Christians set an example for those who wish to resist wicked spirits today.  People who want to serve  Jehovah need to get rid of everything related to spiritism.  That includes books, magazines, posters, and music recordings that encourage the practice of spiritism and make it seem appealing and exciting. Included, too, are  amulets or other items worn for protection against evil. -1 Corinthians 10:21. 

Some years after the Christians in Ephesus destroyed their books on magic, the apostle Paul wrote them: "We have a wrestling . . .against the wicked spirit forces." (Ephesians 6:12) The demons had not given up.  They were still trying to gain an advantage. So, what else did those Christians need to do?  "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 ones [Satan's ] burning missiles."  (Ephesians 6:16)  The stronger our shield of faith, the greater our resistance to wicked spirit forces will be.- Matthew 17:20. 

(Note: Yes this helps a great deal, but since we are imperfect, sinful humans, we are apt to temptation of things and are still vulnerable to Satan's tactics and manipulations and have to keep our wits about us, because Satan has so little time left, he will use any trick to wreck your faith and that is one way to get your worship of him. I know it makes no sense to you, but it does to him.) 

How, then, can we strengthen our faith?  By studying the Bible.  The firmness of a will depens very much on the strength of  its foundation.  In the same way, the firmness of our faith depends  greatly on the strength of its base, which is an accurate knowledge of God's Word, the Bible.  If we read and study the Bible daily, our faith will become strong. Like a strong wall, such faith will shield us from the influence of wicked spirits.  -1 John 5:5.  

Note: What they don't say here is that if you don't follow all of God's commandments and statutes, that your faith will not do any good. You have to follow all his commandments and statutes if you want a fair chance. That will be a long, detailed list, that would seem unfair to you, but if you love Jehovah God and Jesus Christ and have extremely strong faith in him, (and by the way, he can read your heart and mind and he will know if you faith is as strong as you think it is, believe me) You will do whatever it takes to keep him in favor of you and in his protection.  You will need to go to a Jehovah's Witness to get all the truth that the Bible gives you, because no other church or religion will. I guarantee that.   

Next time: Conclusion of: HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach?  2005 and 2006

HOW DEMONS MISLEAD

To  mislead people, the demons use spiritism, (among other things)  The practice of spiritism is involvement with the demons both in a direct way and through a human medium.  The Bible condemns spiritism and warns us to keep free from everything connected with it.  (Galatians 5:19-21)  Spiritism does for the demons what bait does for fishermen.  A fisherman uses a variety of baits to catch various kinds of fish. Similarly,  wicked spirits use different forms of spiritism to bring all sorts of people under their influence.

One type of bait used by the demons is divination. What is divination?  It is an attempt   to find out about the future or something unknown.  Some forms  of divination are astrology, the use of tarot cards, crystal gazing, palmistry, and the search for mysterious omens, or signs, in dreams.  Although many people think that practicing divination is harmless, the Bible shows that fortune-tellers  and wicked spirits work together.  (like selling your soul to the devil)  For instance, Acts 16:16-18 mentions "a demon of divination" that enabled a girl to practice "the art of prediction." But she lost the ability when the demon was cast out of her.   

Another way that the demons mislead people is by encouraging them to inquire of the dead.  People grieving over the death of a loved one are often deceived by wrong ideas about those who have died. A spirit medium may give special information or may speak in a voice that seem to be that of a dead person. As a result, many people become convinced that the dead  are really alive and that contracting them will help the living to endure their grief.  But any such "comfort" is really  false as well as dangerous.  Why? Because the demons can imitate the voice of a dead person and give a spirit medium information about the one who died.  (1 Samuel 28:3-19) Moreover, as we learned in Chapter 6, the dead have ceased to exist.  (Psalm 115:17) So "anyone who inquires of the dead" has been misled by wicked spirits  and is acting contrary to the will of God.  (Deuteronomy 18:10, 11; Isaiah 8:19) Therefore, be careful to9 reject this dangerous bait used by the demons. 

Wicked spirits not only mislead people but also frighten them. Today, Satan and his demons know that they have only "a short period of time" left over before  they are put out of action, and they are now more vicious than ever.  (Revelation 12:12, 17) Even so, thousands of people who once lived in daily dread of such wicked spirits  have been able to break free.  How did they do this?  What can a person do even if he is already involved in spiritism? 

Next time: HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

SPIRIT CREATURES WHO ARE OUR ENEMIES

As we learned in Chapter 3 of this book, one of the angels developed a desire to rule over others and thus turned against God. Later this angel became known as Satan the Devil.  (Revelation 12:9)  During the 16 centuries after he deceived Eve, Satan succeeded  in turning away from God nearly all humans except a few faithful ones, such as Abel, Enoch, and Noah. -Hebrews 11:4, 5, 7. 

In Noah's day, other angels rebelled against Jehovah.  They left their place in God's heavenly family, came down to earth, and took on fleshly bodies. Why?  We read at Genesis 6:2:  "The sons of the true God began to notice the  daughters  of men, that were good looking; and they went taking wives for themselves. namely, all whom they chose."  But Jehovah God did not allow the actions of these angels and the resulting  corruption of mankind to go on.  He brought upon the earth a global flood that swept away all wicked humans and preserved only his faithful servants. (Genesis 7:17, 23) Thus, the rebellious angels, or demons, were forced to abandon their fleshly bodies and return to heaven as spirit creatures.  The put themselves on the side of the Devil, who became "the ruler of the demons." -Matthew 9:34.

When the disobedient angels returned to heaven, they were treated as outcasts, like their ruler, Satan. (2 Peter 2:4)  Although they are now  unable to take on over human bodies, they still exercise a very influence over humans.  (Note: Just remember, they are able to form themselves into a human to look like loved ones, friends, etc., and have been known to rape women  who invite Satan into their lives by doing evil things etc. the same goes for men who are doing the same as. If you invite Satan in, you will not get rid of him, and no priest are really able to do it either, no matter what they say.) In fact, with the help of these demons, Satan "is misleading the entire inhabited earth."  (Revelation 12:9; 1 John 5:19)  How? Mainly, the demons are methods designed to mislead people. (2 Corinthians 2:11) (they do it through the false prophets/ preachers, today and in other ways.) Let us consider some of these methods.  

Next time: HOW DEMONS MISLEAD

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006 

ANGELIC SUPPORT AND PROTECTION

Ever since they witnessed the creation of the first humans, faithful spirit creatures have shown keen interest in the growing human family and in the outworking of God's purpose. (Proverbs 8:30, 31; 1 Peter 1:11, 12)  With the passing of time, however, the angels observe that most of the human family turned away from serving their loving Creator.  No doubt this saddened the faithful angels.  On the other hand, whenever even one human returns to Jehovah, 'joy arises among the angels." (Luke 15:10)  Since angels have such deep concern for  the welfare of those who serve God, it is no wonder that Jehovah has repeatedly used angels to strengthen and protect his faithful servants on earth.  (Hebrews 1:7, 14)  Consider some examples. 

Two angels helped the righteous man Lot and his daughters to survive  the destruction of the wicked cities of Sodom  and Gomorrah by leading them out of that area.  (Genesis 19:15, 16)  Centuries later, the prophet Daniel was thrown into a lion's pit, but he escaped harm and said: "My own God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions." (Daniel 6:22) In the first century C.E., an angel freed the apostle Peter from prison.  (Acts12:6-11) Moreover, angels supported Jesus at the start of his earthly ministry.  (Mark 1:13)  And shortly before Jesus' death, an angel appeared to Jesus  and "strengthened him."  (Luke 22:43) What a comfort that must have been for Jesus at those very important times in his life!  

Today, angels no longer appear visibly to God's people on earth.  Although invisible to human eyes, God's powerful angels still protect his people, especially from anything spiritually harmful.  The Bible says:  "The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those  fearing him, and he rescues them."  (Psalm 34:7) Whey should those words  be of great comfort to us? Because there are dangerous wicked spirit creatures who want to destroy us!  Who  are they? Where do they come from? How are they trying to harm us? To find out, let us briefly consider something that happened at the start of human history. 
Note: I think you can guess who this is that is trying to destroy us. Satan.

Next time: SPIRIT CREATURES WHO ARE OUR ENEMIES

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006

Spirit Creatures - How They Affect Us, Chapter Ten

GETTING to know a person usually involves learning something about his family.  Similarly, getting to know Jehovah God includes becoming better acquainted with his angelic  family.  The Bible call the angels "sons of God." (Job 38:7) So, what is their place in God's purpose?  Have they played a role in human history?  Do angels affect your life? If so, how? 

The Bible refers to angels hundreds of times.  Let us consider  a few of these references to learn more about angels.  Where did angels come from?  Colossians 1:16 says:  "By means of him [Jesus Christ]  all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth."  Hence, all the spirit creatures called angels were individually created by Jehovah God through his firstborn Son.  How many angels are there?  The Bible indicates that hundreds of millions of angels were created, and all of them are powerful. -Psalm 103:20. 

God's Word, the Bible tells us that when the earth was founded, "all the sons of God began shouting in applause."  (Job 38:4-7) Angels thus existed  long before humans were created, even before the creation of the earth.  This Bible  passage also shows that angels have feelings, for it says that  they "joyfully cried out together." Note that  "all the sons of God" rejoiced together.  At that time, all the angels were part of a united family serving Jehovah God.

Next time: ANGELIC SUPPORT AND PROTECTION

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 3005 and 2006