Growth of the Word Today

In the late 19th century, Bible truth galvanized a  small group of Bible Students,  known today as the Jehovah's Witnesses.  By 1914 the Bible had come alive to them.  They understood wonderful truths concerning God's purpose.  They were deeply moved by Jehovah's love in sending his Son to the earth, thus opening the way to everlasting life.  They had also come to know and appreciate God's name and personality. Further, they realized that "the times of the Gentiles" had already ended, signaling that the time was near for God's Kingdom government to bring about blessings for mankind.  (Luke 21:24, King James Version) What glorious good news! These dynamic truths were to be shared with everyone, everywhere.  lives were at stake!

Jehovah blessed that handful of spirit anointed Christians. Today, the number who embrace true Christianity has surpassed six million. The word of God has also spread geographically, for Jehovah's Witnesses are found in 235 lands. Furthermore, Bible truth has exerted power, prevailing over all obstacles,religious and otherwise.  This global preaching activity adds to the irrefutable proof that Jesus is present in Kingdom power. -Matthew 24:3, 14.

Just as historians remarked on the astounding growth of Christianity in the first century, many scholars have commented on the growth of Jehovah's people in modern time.  In the United States, two scholars jointed wrote: "During the past 75 years the Jehovah's Witnesses haves sustained an extraordinary rate of growth . . . and have done so on a global scale." An East African journal refers to the Witnesses as "one of the world's fastest growing and highly respected religions known internationally for its total adherence to biblical teachings." And a conservative Catholic journal, published in Europe , refers to "the overwhelming growth of Jehovah's Witnesses." What has contributed to this growth?

Next time: Holy Spirit at Work Today

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001