HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

Suffering Will End

Arthritis sufferers are grateful to the medical profession for the advances that have been made thus far. However, even the best treatments will fall far short of being a real cure. In the long run, sufferers can find their greatest comfort in embracing God's promises of a new world.  (Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:3, 4) In that world 'the lame will leap us as a stag does.' (Isaiah 35:6)  Arthritis and all the other diseases  afflicting mankind will be gone forever!  Peter, a victim of spinal arthritis, thus says:   "I can see a light at the end of this dark tunnel I'm traveling through."  A Christian woman named  Guiliana likewise says:  "I think of each day that passes as a battle won, one day less to endure before the end comes!" Yes, the time when there will be not only the end of arthritis but also the end of all suffering has drawn near! 

Next time: Is World Peace Just a Dream?/ADVOCATE OF WAR OR PROMOTER OF PEACE?-BY AWAKE! WRITER IN SWEDEN

From the Awake! magazine 

HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

Spiritual Aid

Katia says:  "When a person suffers from an illness like this, she is convinced that no one knows what she is going through.  This makes it important to turn to Jehovah God, knowing that he really understands our physical and emotional condition.  (Psalm 31:7) Having a good relationship with him has given me the peace of mind to live almost serenely  with my illness."  The Bible appropriate calls Jehovah "The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation." -2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.

Prayer can thus be a powerful source of comfort to someone suffering chronic pain. Kazumi relates:  "During the long nights when I cannot sleep because of  the pain and for wisdom to face all my difficulties.  Jehovah has definitely answered me." Francesca  has likewise experienced God's loving support.  She says:  "I've see the fulfillment of the words of Philippians 4:13:  'For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.' "

Oftentimes, Jehovah God provided support through the Christian congregation. Gail, for example, tells of the help she received from her spiritual brothers and sisters in the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.   "Their love helped me not to become depressed," says Gail. In a similar vein, when Keiko was asked,  "Is there anything you can think of that has been good in your life?," She replied:  "Yes, all the love and sympathy I get from everyone in the congregation!" 

In congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses, overseers take the lead in rendering such support. Setsuko says: "I can't describe how great the effect is on a person fighting illness when the elders listen and give comfort."  However, as an arthritis sufferer named Daniel remind us," our spiritual brothers and sisters can only help if we let them."  It is therefore important that sufferers stay in contact with fellow Christians, doing their very best to attend congregation meetings.  (Hebrews 10:24,25)  There they can receive the spiritual encouragement needed to endure. 

Next time: HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers/Suffering Will End

From the Awake! magazine 

HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

Family Support-"A Tower of Strength"

Carla, from Brazil, says:  "My husband's support has been crucial. The fact that he went with me on my visits to the doctor gave me courage. We discovered together how the disease affects my body, what its symptoms are, and what treatment would be necessary.  I felt better because he could understand what  I was going through."  Yes, husbands or wives who accept the limitations of their mates and who are willing to become educated regarding their condition can be an enormous source of strength and support.

Bette, for example, took on cleaning jobs when her husband's arthritis curtailed his construction work. Kazumi's husband not only nursed her but also did the housework that she could not do. Further, he trained their children to do what they could to help out. Says Kazumi:  "My husband has been a tower of strength.  Without his help  I would be in far worse state."

A woman named Carol, from Australia, offers this caution:  "Be careful not to crowd a schedule with too much activity. Feelings of inadequacy easily creep in on me if I cannot keep up with the family."  Rendered with true understanding and consideration, family support can be a  tower of strength for sufferers.  

Next time: HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers/Spiritual Aid

From the Awake!  magazine 

HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

Respecting Your Limitations

Getting proper rest is essential if you are an arthritis sufferer; it can minimize fatigue.  This does not mean, though, that you should drop out of life.  Timothy explains:  "You need to keep active so as not to let arthritis take you over mentally because if it does, you'll just sit there  and feel the pain." Rheumatologist  William Ginsburg of the Mayo Clinic observes:  "There's a fine line between doing too much and too little. Sometimes, people have to be reminded to slow down and listen to their disease." 

This may entail changing the way you view your limitations. Daphne, from South Africa, relates:  "I've  had to be realistic and know that my ability  to do certain things has not gone away; I just had to do them in a much slower manner. Rather than become anxious or frustrated, I simply do a little at a time." 

It is also a good idea  to become acquainted with various assistive devices that might be available, perhaps discussing these with  your doctor or physical therapist. Keiko relates: "We've installed a stair lift. Turning knobs hurt my wrist, so we changed them. Now I can open all the doors by pushing with my head. We installed  lever-type handles on all the water taps in the house so that I could at least do some of the housework."  Another arthritis sufferer name Gail says: "My car and house keys are attached  to a long handle, making it easier for me to turn them. My comb and brush are on long extensions and can be adjusted to different angles for combing and brushing." 

Next time: HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers/Family Support-"A Tower of Strength"

From the Awake! magazine

HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

"ARTHRITIS is not a major cause of mortality like heart disease or cancer," says Dr. Fatima Mili, "but it has a great impact on the quality of life." Arthritis can affect all aspects of a person's life.  Just what are some of the problems confronting those suffering with arthritis?  Is it possible to cope? 

Katia, aged 28, from Italy, says: "Since being diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 20, my whole life has changed.  I've had to quit my job and give up my career in the full-time ministry because of the pain." Pain is a universal problem among arthritis sufferers. Alan, aged 63, from England, says:  "You always have pain somewhere  in your body, though it may be moderate." Fatigue is another challenge.  "Even if you could put up the with pain and swelling," says Sarah, aged 21, "the tiredness is unbearable." 

Emotional Pain

According to 6-year-old Setsuko, of Japan, struggling each day with chronic pain can also "wear you out emotionally and mentally."  Why, simply trying to grip a pencil or the telephone can be a challenge!  Kazumi, aged 47, laments: "Even ordinary things that a child can do have become  impossible for me."  Sixty-year-old Janice, who can no longer spend much time on her feet, says:  "It's discouraging because I can't do what I used to."

Such limitations can cause frustration  and negative feelings about oneself.  Gaku, aged 27, is one of Jehovah's Witnesses and says:  "Not being able to share fully in the evangelizing work or fulfill congregation assignments makes me feel that as a person I have no value whatsoever." Francesca, who has battled with arthritis since the age of two, speaks of "being sucked deeper and deeper into a whirlpool of despair."  Such despair can have adverse effects. Joyce, a Witness from South Africa, admits that she began isolating herself from Christian meetings."  "I just could not face seeing anybody." She explains. 

A sufferer may also have much anxiety regarding the future-fear of becoming immobile and dependent on others, fear of being left without a care giver, fear of falling and breaking bones, fear of not being able to provide for one's family.  Yoko, aged 52, admits: "When I see deformities occurring, I'd become fearful that they would increase."

Family members too may suffer emotional pain, being confronted every day with the suffering of their loved one.   Some couples may even experience  severe marital strain. A woman in England, named Denise, says:  "After 15 years of marriage, my husband announced, ' I can't put up with your arthritis anymore!'  He left me and our 5 -year-old daughter." 

Arthritis, thus presents huge challenges both to sufferers and their families. Nevertheless, many are successfully coping!  Let us take a look at how some are doing so.

HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers/Respecting Your Limitations

From the Awake!  magazine 

Understanding ARTHRITIS

Treatment

Treatment for arthritis usually involves a combination of medication, exercise, and life-style modification.  A physical therapist may initiate a therapeutic  exercise program.  It may incorporate range-of-motion, isometric, aerobic, and isotonic or weight-bearing exercises. These have been shown to improve a multitude of symptoms including joint pain and swelling, fatigue, malaise, and depression.  The benefits of exercise are seen even in the very elderly.  Exercise can also limit bone-density loss. Some claim that a measure of pain relief has also been achieved through various forms of heat and cold therapy and acupuncture.  

Because weight loss can significantly reduce joint pain, diet can be a major component of arthritis management.   Some have also claimed that  a diet that includes calcium rich foods such as dark, leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, and cold-water fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids-and that cuts down on processed foods and saturated fats-can not only help achieve weight loss but also reduce  pain.  How?  Some say that such a diet inhibits the inflammatory process. There are also claims that diets that eliminate meat, milk products, wheat, and vegetables belonging to the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant, have also been effective for some. 

In some cases  a surgical procedure called arthroscopy is recommended. This involves inserting an instrument right into the joint, allowing a surgeon to remove the synovial tissue producing the destructive enzymes.  This procedure has limited effectiveness, however as inflammation often recurs. Even more drastic a procedure is joint arthroplasty,in which the entire joint (usually a hip or a knee) is replaced with an artificial one.  This surgery has a longevity of 10 to 15 years and is often highly effective in eliminating pain. 

More recently, doctors have tried less invasive treatments, such as viscosupplementation, where hyaluronic fluid is injected directly into a joint. This is most commonly performed on the knees. Injecting substances that stimulate cartilage repair (chondroprotective agents) has also had a measure of success, according to some European studies. 

While no drug has been found to cure arthritis, many drugs reduce pain and inflammation, and some have shown promise in slowing the progression of the disease. Analgesics, or painkillers, as well as corticosteriod  therapy, nonsteroid  and anti-inflammatory drugs  (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Immonusuppressants, biologic response  modifiers, and drugs genetically engineered to interfere with the immune response are all part of the arsenal being used to provide relief from the debilitating symptoms of arthritis. However, relief may come at a high price,m as all of these types of drugs can cause serious side effects. Weighing the potential benefits and risks presents a challenge for both the patient  and the doctor. 

How have some who have suffered the ravages of arthritis been able to cope with this painful disease?  

Note: Some help for me; has been vitamins for joints, it doesn't stop the pain exactly, but for me, it keeps the joints in my knees from swelling and hurting so much.  But, these don't always work for everyone.  Chondroitin and Glucosamine work for me, but you need to find what may work for you.  A lot doctors do not believe in vitamins of any kind.   If you have certain health problems there may be side effects  that may affect that particular problem.   

Next time: HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

From the Awake! magazine 

Understanding ARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis

"Osteoarthritis," states the Western Journal of Medicine, "is in many ways like the weather-ubiquitous, often unnoticed, sometimes dramatic in its effects."  Unlike RA, osteoarthritis (OA) rarely spreads to other body parts but concentrates its erosive influence on one or just  a few joints.  As cartilage is slowly eroded, bone begins grinding against bone.  This is accompanied by bony outgrowths called osteophytes. Cysts may form, and underlying bone thickens and becomes deformed.  Other symptoms include knobby knuckles, grating and grinding sounds that emanate from arthritic joints, and muscles spasms, along with pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.

In times past, OA was thought to be just another consequence of old age. However, experts have abandoned that long-held belief .  The American Journal of Medicine states:  "There is no evidence that normal joint, subject o common stresses, will break down over the life of a person."  Then what causes osteoarthritis?  Efforts to understand its exact causes are "plagued by controversy," according to the British magazine The Lancet. Some investigators propose that damage to a bone, such as microfractures, may occur  first.  This, in turn, may trigger bony outgrowths and cartilage deterioration. Others think that OA starts in the cartilage itself. As it degenerates and frays, they reason, stress increases on the underlying bone. Pathological changes occur as the body attempts to repair the damaged cartilage.

Who are at risk for OA?  While age alone does not cause OA, the loss of joint cartilage is experienced  more frequently with increasing age. Others at risk may include those who have some abnormality in the way their joint surfaces fit together or who have weak leg and thigh muscles, legs of unequal length, or a misalignment of the spine. Trauma to a joint caused either by an accident or by an occupation in which repetitive  motions overuse  a joint can also set the stage for osteoarthritis. Once deterioration begins being overweight can exacerbate OA. 

Dr. Tim Spector states: "Osteoarthritis is a complex disease that has definite environmental risks factors but there is a strong genetic component."  Particularly susceptible to OA are middle-aged and older women with a family history of the disease. Unlike the disease osteoarthritis, high rather than low bone density precedes the occurrence of OA. Some researchers also cite damage from free oxygen radicals and a deficiency of vitamins C and D as factors. 

Next time: Understanding ARTHRITIS/Treatment

From the Awake! magazine 

Understanding ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body's immune system launches an all out attack on its joints.  For some unknown reason, a large volume of blood cells-including T-cells, which are key players in the body's immune system-rushes into joint cavities.  This triggers a cascade of chemical events that result in the joint becoming inflamed.  The synovial cells may begin to proliferate uncontrollably, forming a tumor-like mass of  tissue called a pannus.  The pannus, in turn, produces  destructive enzymes that destroy the cartilage. Bone surfaces may now stick together, causing restricted motion-and excruciating pain.  This destructive process  also weakens the ligaments, the tendons, and the muscles, causing the joint to become unstable  and partially dislocated, oftentimes leaving a deformed appearance.  Usually RA affects joins in a symmetrical patter, afflicting the wrists, knees, and feet. Upwards of 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with RA also develop anemia and dry, painful eyes and throat.  Fatigue and flu-like symptoms, including fever and aching muscles, accompany RA. 

RA is highly variable in effect, onset, and duration. In one person the pain and stiffness may come on slower over a period of weeks and even years.  For another, the onset may be quite sudden.   For some people, RA lasts for a few months and then leaves without noticeable damage. Others may experiences periods of worsening symptoms called flares, followed by periods of remission during which they feel better. And in some patients, the disease continues active for many years, relentlessly disabling them. 

Who are at risk for RA?  "It's most common in women in their middle years," notes Dr. Michael Schiff.  However, Schiff further states that "it can affect anyone at any age including children, as well as men."  For those with relatives who have rheumatoid arthritis, the risk increases. Several studies further suggest that smoking, obesity, and a history of blood transfusions are all significant risk factors.  

Next time: Understanding ARTHRITIS/ Osteoarthritis

From the Awake! magazine 

HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

Understanding ARTHRITIS

"AT NIGHT, I LOOK AT MY DEFORMED FEET AND HANDS AND I CRY." -MIDORI, JAPAN.

ARTHRITIS has plagued humans for centuries. Egyptian mummies give evidence that the disease existed centuries ago. Explorer Christopher Columbus evidently suffered from it. And millions today are afflicted. Just what is this crippling disease? 

The word "arthritis" is taken from Greek words meaning "inflamed joints" and is associated with a group of well over 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions.  These diseases may affect not only the joints but also the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments that support them. Some forms of arthritis can damage your skin, internal organs, and even your eyes.  Let us focus on two diseases commonly associated with arthritis-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). 

Joint Architecture

A joint where two bones meet. A synovial joint is surrounded by a touch capsule that protects and supports it.  The joint capsule is lined with a synovial membrane.  This membrane produces a slippery fluid.  Within the joint capsule, the ends of two bones are covered with a smooth elastic  tissue known as cartilage.  This prevents your bones from rubbing and grinding against each other. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber as well,  cushioning the ends of your bones  and distributing stress across your bones. 

For example,when you walk, run or jump, the pressure exerted on your hips and knees can be four to eight times your body weight!  While most of the impact is absorbed by  the surrounding muscles and tendons, the cartilage helps your bones to tolerate this load by compressing like a sponge.  

Next time: HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers/Rheumatoid Arthritis

From the Awake! magazine 

HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers/ Arthritis the Crippling Disease

"YOU CAN'T IMAGINE THE PAIN  UNTIL YOU'VE EXPERIENCED IT. THE ONLY WAY TO GET RELIEF, I THOUGH, WOULD BE TO DIE."-SETSUKO, JAPAN.

"HAVING HAD IT SINCE I WAS 16, I FEEL THIS DISEASE STOLE MY YOUTH." -DARREN, GREAT BRITAIN.

"i LOST TWO YEARS OF MY LIFE BECAUSE OF BEING BEDRIDDEN." -KATIA, ITALY.

"ONCE THE PAIN STARTED IN ALL MY JOINTS, MY WHOLE LIFE WAS JUST PAIN." -JOYCE, SOUTH KOREA.

These are the plaintive expressions of victims of the disease known as arthritis. Arthritis drives millions of sufferers to their physicians each year seeking relief from the pain, immobility, and deformity it can cause.

In the United States alone, arthritis affects more than 42 million people, disabling 1 out of 6 sufferers. In fact, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in that country. The economic impact of this disease is "roughly equivalent to the moderate recession," states the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as it costs Americans over 64 billion dollars each year in medical expenses and lost productivity. According to the World Health Organization, surveys involving  developing countries, such as Brazil, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines, and Thailand, showed that the burden of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases in such lands is almost "equal to that in the industrialized world."  

It is a myth that arthritis is only a disease of the elderly. True, people are more seriously affected by it as they grow older. But one of the most common forms, rheumatoid arthritis, commonly  affects those between  the ages of 25 and 50. In the United States, nearly 3 out of 5 people with arthritis are younger than 65 years of age. Similarly, in Great Britain, out of 8 million sufferers 1.2 million are under age 45. More than 14,500 are children. 

Each year, the number of arthritis sufferers increases rapidly.  In Canada, within the next decade, the number of people with arthritis will increase by one million. While the prevalence of arthritis is greater in Europe than in Africa  and Asia, the incidence of this disease is on the rise in those latter continents too.  The rising tide of arthritic disease has thus prompted the World Health Organization to declare 2000-1010 the Bone and Joint Decade. During this time doctors and health-care professionals around the world will collaborate in an effort to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from musculoskeltal diseases like arthritis.  

What is known about this painful disorder? Who are at risk for developing it?  How can those who suffer from arthritis cope with its crippling effects? Will the future bring a cure? Our following articles will discuss these issues.

Next time: HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers/Understanding ARTHRITIS

From the Awake!  magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Conclusion of Education for Entering Paradise

As you associate with Jehovah's organization, you will find the atmosphere very different from that of temples and churches.  there is no soliciting of money, no backbiting or quarreling, and no discrimination because of family background or financial standing.  The most outstanding quality among Jehovah's Witnesses is love. First, they love Jehovah, and second they love other people (as long as you are a member, if not, they will not associate with you)  You can attend meetings and become a member and be baptized. Or if you go to the meetings for awhile and then quit. You will see for yourself how they disassociate themselves from you.   They do this for a reason, bad associations spoil good habits.  I am sure you have seen this Biblical verse in other blogs I have done.   

If you associate regularly with Jehovah's people, you will need to clothe yourself with "the new personality" and cultivate the fruitage of God's spirit-"love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control." (Colossians 3:10, 12-14; Galatians 5:22, 23) This will bring you deep contentment.  You may have problems to overcome from time to time because you live in a corrupt world and also because of your imperfections. But Jehovah will help you.  His Word assures those who are sincerely trying to please him:  "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known  to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6, 7)  You will be drawn by Jehovah's love, so that you will want to serve him.  Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to show you  how you can dedicate your life to this loving God and become one of his privileged witnesses.  (Psalm 104:33; Luke 9:23)   Yes, it is a privilege. Just think! As a worshiper of Jehovah,you can reach any goal of everlasting life in a paradise here on earth. -Zephaniah 2:3; Isaiah 25:6, 8. 

Continue, then, to study and to grow in love and appreciation of Jehovah God, his Son, and the heavenly government of righteousness.  In describing the government of God and the blessings it will shower  on mankind, the Bible prophecy says:  "Look ! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them."   "God himself,"who is exalted so far above the selfish, ruinous man-rule of this day, will be very close as a kind Father to all those who love and worship him in that new system. Indeed, there will be only the one religion, the true worship of Jehovah God, and his worshipers will enjoy the intimate relationship of children to the Father. What a loving Father he will show himself to be!  "And he wipe  out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither  will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." -Revelation 21:3, 4. 

Thus the great miracle of establishing a paradise earth under a perfect heavenly government will have  been accomplished. It is as certain as the fact that the sun will rise and set tomorrow. For the promises of Jehovah God, Creator of heaven and earth, are ever "faithful and true."  He it is who declares from his throne in heaven: "Look! I am making all things new." -Revelation 21:5. 

Note: After you get the Bible education truth that they teach, if you quit going to meetings; as along as you continue to worship Jehovah and read the Bible, have faith; follow all his laws and commandments always and love Jehovah your God with all your heart, soul, mind and being and keep your faith even under stressful situations, in other words dedicate yourself to Jehovah only first and foremost-because he comes first before anyone else,then family etc. Be baptized.  Then and only then can you worship at home. Jehovah God is everywhere, not just the meetings.  I am sure that will help to go.  But you do need first, to learn the accurate knowledge that other churches etc. do not teach the accurate knowledge, I know this for a fact.   I have been to all kinds of churches and always came out missing something and needing answers and never found them, until one of the Witnesses came to my door one day and explained, it was then like a light that went off in my head, and I knew then that not only were they telling the truth, that also, Jehovah God was letting me accept it for the truth that it was.  That was the day that I knew I had to change my life, because I was kind of in a black hole and lost and my life was not going anywhere. I thank God for coming into my life when he did and letting me know that I should accept what these people were telling me.  You should too.  It is all about God and doing what he expects you to do in following all his laws, commandments and statutes. So once you learn about Jehovah God, you will  want to, and you benefit from his love and provisions he has set for all of us.

Next time: HOPE for Arthritis Sufferers/ARTHRITIS The Crippling Disease

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Education for Entering Paradise

Would you like to live in Paradise?  If your answer is 'Yes,' you will be thrilled to know that when Jesus spoke of today's troubled system and "the sign" of its approaching destruction, he added, "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."  Some, at least, of the generation that saw the "beginning of pangs of distress" in 1914 will live to see Paradise restored on earth.  (Matthew 24:3-8, 34) However, it is a sad fact that most people today are on the broad road that leads to destruction.  (Matthew  7:13, 14)  There is little time left for them to change. How thankful you can be that Jehovah has provided warning in time!  Because Jehovah wants you to have life, he will help you to take the right steps. 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23.

Your urgent need now is accurate knowledge.  (1 Timothy 2:4; John 17:3) Where can you get this? Can it be found in just any religion? Some people say all religions lead to the same goal, just as all paths on a mountain lead to summit.  How mistaken they are!  In order to find the right path, mountaineers use maps, and they hire guides. likewise, there is only the one religion of truth that will lead to everlasting life, and guidance is needed to find it. -Acts 8:26-31.

This brochure has been provided by the Jehovah's Witnesses to help you.  It has already helped  you to understand some basic Bible truths, has it not?  No doubt you have confirmed for yourself that each point is based on God's inspired Word. Now, to progress toward your goal, you must continue to learn. Just as a proper secular education is necessary to fit a person for a place in everyday society, so a proper Bible education is necessary to equip one for entering the society that will survive to live on the Paradise earth.  (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)  Satan may try to distract you by causing close associates to oppose you or by tempting you into selfish materialistic or immoral ways. Do not give in to Satan.  Your safety and whole future of you and your family depend on your studying the Bible further. - Matthew 10:36; 1 John 2:15-17. 

Besides continuing your present Bible study, there is another way to learn.  People in your neighborhood who are interested in Bible education regularly attend the local Kingdom Hall meetings.  All who attend are there to take instruction from the Bible and are sincerely trying to become better people.  They readily  welcome newcomers, saying,  "Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah [his place of worship] . . .and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths." (Isaiah 2:3) Good reasons for attending Bible meetings are explained in Hebrews 10:24, 25, which reads:  "Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking  the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging on another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near." 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/Conclusion of Education for Entering Paradise

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Conclusion of The Perfect Government of Peace

The "pangs of distress" have heightened through World War II, which was four times as destructive as World War I, an don into the nuclear age,fulfilling Jesus' prophecy:  "On the earth anguish of nations, not knowing the way out .  . .,while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth." (Luke 21:25, 26)   The increase in crime and wickedness, in disobedience and delinquency among children, as well as the growth of godlessness and immorality-these alarming developments were  also foretold as marking "the last days" of this evils system. -2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:12. 

However, if the heavenly government was established in 1914, why is there all this distress on earth? It is Satan the Devil  who is responsible.  When Christ received  Kingdom power, his first act was to wage war on Satan in the invisible heavens. As a result, Satan,  "who is misleading the entire inhabited earth," was hurled with his angels/demons down to vicinity of the earth. Knowing that his destruction draws near, he stirs up great trouble on earth.  It is"woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you have great anger, knowing that he has  a short period of time." -Revelation 12:7-9, 12.  

Will there be an end to these woes?  Yes!-when heaven's government itself, the Kingdom of the Almighty God, goes into action to "bring to ruin those ruining the earth." (human government, thieves, murderers etc.)  (Revelation 11:18; Daniel 2:44) Never will God permit political powers, false Christians, or anyone else to ruin his handiwork, the earth, with their nuclear devices.  Rather, he declares;  "My judicial decision is to gather nations, for me to collect together kingdoms, in order to pour out upon them my denunciation, all my burning anger ." (Zephaniah 3:8) Jehovah, through his Christ, will use great forces that he controls in the universe in bringing overwhelming destruction to all those following Satan one earth. This will be a global scale, similar in magnitude to the Flood of Noah's day. -Jeremiah 25:31-34; 2 Peter 3:5-7, 10. 

In the Bible this destruction of wicked nations is called God's battle of Armageddon.  (Revelations 16:14-16) Only meek persons, those who seek Jehovah and righteousness, may survive Armageddon into God's peaceful new system.  (Zephaniah 2:3; Isaiah 26:20, 21)  Concerning these the Bible says:  "But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11)  The grand work of restoring Paradise to the earth will then commence! 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/Education for Entering Paradise

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

The Perfect Government of Peace

Because  our first parents rejected God's law, human government came under the control of Satan.  Appropriately the Bible calls Satan "the god of this system of things."  (2 Corinthians 4:4) The wars, the cruelties, the corruption, and the instability of man's governments prove that he is.  The League of Nations and the United Nations have failed to bring peace out of the confusion. Mankind cries out for a government of peace. Is it not reasonable that the Creator, who purposes to restore Paradise to earth, would also provide a perfect government for that Paradise?  That is exactly what Jehovah has purposed to do.  The King representing Him in this government is his "Prince of Peace," Christ Jesus, and "to the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end." -Isaiah 9:6, 7. 

The Bible shows that the perfect government will be in heaven.  From this vantage point, the King Jesus Christ will effectively rule all the earth in righteousness.  Moreover, he will have associate rulers in that invisible, heavenly government.  These are chosen from among faithful humans, followers of Jesus who stuck with him through trials and to whom he says:  "I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom."  (Luke 22:28, 29) It is only a few from humankind who are taken to heaven to rule with Christ Jesus.  It is similar to the nations today,  where only a few are chosen to rule in the diet or parliament. The Bible shows that Jesus Christ will have just 144,000 associate rulers. So God's Kingdom, or heavenly government, consists of Christ Jesus and 144,000 people taken from the earth to heaven. (Revelation 14:1-4; 5:9, 10) And what about the earth?  Psalm 45:16 mentions that the King will appoint  "princes in all the earth."  Human "princes," or governmental overseers, will be appointed from heaven because of their deep devotion to principles of righteousness. -Compare Isaiah 32:1. 

When and how is the perfect government established? When Jesus was on earth this Kingdom was the main theme of his preaching.  (Matthew 4:17; Luke 8:1) However, he did not establish the Kingdom at that time, nor at his resurrection. (Act 1:6-8) Even when he ascended into the heavens, he still had to wait for Jehovah's appointed time.  (110:1, 2; Hebrews 1:13)  Bible prophecy shows that appointed time came in 1014 C.E. However, someone will ask, 'Rather than perfect government, did not 1914 mark the start of increased world woes?' That is exactly the point!  There is a close connection between the coming of God's Kingdom and the catastrophic events of recent years, as we shall now see. 

For some 35 years prior to 1914, The Watchtower (now the most widely distributed religious magazine on earth) had been calling attention to 1914 as a year marked in Bible prophecy.  These prophecies began to have a remarkable fulfillment in 1914.  One  of these was Jesus' own prophecy, uttered some 1900 years ago, concerning "the sign" that would appear  at the end of this system of things and that would prove that he was invisibly present with kingly power.  In answer to his disciples' questions about this "sign," he said:  "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress."  (Matthew 24:3, 7, 8)  In striking fulfillment, the first of the world wars started in 1914, bringing destruction seven times greater than all the 900 wars of the preceding 2,500 years!  Pangs of distress have continued ever since.  Have you experienced the war destruction, the food shortages, or any of the great earthquakes  that have plagued the earth since 1914?  If so, you have been an eyewitness  of "the sign" of "the time of the end." of this system of things. -Daniel 12:4. 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Restoration to Life

Even though his enemies killed him, the Son of God never lost his right to perfect human life, for he had kept integrity to God.  But, being dead in the grave, how Jesus use this valuable thing, the right to human life, on behalf of  humankind?  It was here that Jehovah performed another miracle, the first of its kind. On the third day of  Jesus' being in the grave, Jehovah raised him up out of death as a spirit creature, immortal. (Romans 6:9; 1 Peter 3:18)   To establish belief in the resurrection, on different occasions Jesus materialized human bodies and appeared to his disciples, at one time to 500 and more of them. None of these, not the apostle Paul who was later blinded by an appearance of the glorified Jesus, had any reason to doubt the miracle of his resurrection. -1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Acts 9:1-9.

After 40 days the resurrected Jesus ascended into God's own presence in the heavens, there to present the value of his perfect human sacrifice as a release  for mankind.  "But this man offered one sacrifice for sins perpetually and sat down at the right hand of God, from then on awaiting until his enemies should be placed as a stool for his feet." (Hebrews 10:12, 13)  The first ones to be released belong to Christ." (Luke 12:32; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23) These are "bought from among mankind," and hence in the resurrection they become spirit associates of Christ in the heavens.  (Revelation 14:1-5)   However, what of the great masses of mankind who now lie dead in their graves?   When he was on earth, Jesus said that his Father granted him the authority to judge and impart life. He added:  "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs  will hear his voice and come out, . . .to a resurrection." (John 5:26-29) He will restore these to life in the Paradise earth.

Note Jesus' words, "Do not marvel at this." Even so, how can one long dead be released from death and be brought back to life?  Has not his body returned to dust? Some of the particles that made up that body may even has assimilated into other living things, such as plants and animals. However, resurrection does not mean bringing the same chemical elements together again.  It means that God re-creates the same person, with the same personality.  He brings a new body forth from the earthly elements, and in that body he places the same characteristics , the same distinctive qualities, the same memory, the same life pattern that the person had built up by the time of his death. 

It may have been your experience that your house that you loved very much was burned down. However, you could easily have the same house rebuilt, for the pattern of all its beloved details is very clear in your memory.  Surely, then, God who is the Originator of memory can re-create men whom he has kept in his memory because he loved them. (Isaiah 64:8) This is why the Bible uses the expression "memorial tombs."  When  it is God's due time to bring the dead to life again, he will perform a miracle, just as he performed a miracle in creating the first man, only this time he will perform it many times over. -Genesis 2:7; Acts 24:15. 

God will bring mankind back to life, with the prospect of never again dying off the earth. But how is everlasting life on earth possible? It is possible and certain because it is the divine will and purpose.  (John 6:37-40; Matthew 6:10)  The only reason that man dies off the earth today is that he inherited death from Adam.  However, when we consider the infinite variety of wonderful things on earth that man intended to enjoy, a brief life span of less than a hundred years is far too short! In giving this earth to the children of men, God purposed that man should keep on living to enjoy the splendors of His creation, not just for a hundred years, but forever! -Psalm 115:16; 133:3. 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/ The Perfect Government of Peace

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Release From Death

From ancient times, God's prophets have expressed their confidence, not in man's immorality, but in the hope that God would "recover them" from death. (Hosea 13:14) But how could man be released from the bonds of death?  Jehovah's perfect justice required 'soul for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' (Deuteronomy 19:21)  Hence, since Adam brought inherited death to all mankind by willfully disobeying God and so losing perfection of human life, another perfect human had to substitute  for Adam in paying over his perfect life, to buy back what Adam had lost.

The just principle of paying 'like for like' has been widely  accepted throughout history. The expression commonly used in "paying a ransom."  What is a ransom?  It is "a price paid to recover  a person or thing from one detains that person or thing in captivity. Hence prisoners of war or slaves are said to be ransomed   when they are liberated in exchange for valuable consideration. . . . Whatever is substituted or exchanged in compensation for the party of war or slaves, bound by imperfection and death. To release them, a ransom had to be provided. To avoid any controversy now or later as the fairness of the ransom price, it would be necessary to sacrifice one perfect human life, that is, the exact equivalent of Adam. 

However, where could such a perfect human life be found?  All men, as descendants of the imperfect Adam, have been born imperfect.  "Not one of them  can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom  for him. " (Psalm 49:7) In answering the need, Jehovah, motivated by his deep love for mankind, actually provided his precious"firstborn" Son to become the necessary sacrifice. He transferred the perfect life of his spirit Son, the Word, to the womb of a Jewish virgin, Mary.  The young woman conceived  and in due course brought to birth a son, who was named "Jesus." (Matthew 1:18-25)  The Creator of life would logically be able to perform such a marvelous miracle. 

Jesus grew to manhood, presented himself to Jehovah, and was baptized.  God then commissioned him to do His will. (Matthew 3;13, 16, 17) Since Jesus' early life came from heaven and he was perfect, he could sacrifice that perfect human life, using it to release mankind from death.  (Romans 6:23; 5:18, 19) As he said:  "I have come that they might have life and might have it in abundance."  "No one has greater love than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends." (John 10:10; 15:13)  When Satan had Jesus killed on a torture stake, Jesus submitted to this cruel death, knowing that humans exercising faith could gain life through this random provision. -Matthew 20:28;  1 Timothy 2:5, 6. 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/Restoration to Life

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

The Enemy - Death

God has stated the penalty for disobedience -death.   In passing sentence upon the first woman, Jehovah said:  "I shall greatly increase the pain of your pregnancy; in birth pangs you will bring forth children, and your craving will be for your husband, and he will dominate you."  To the man Adam he said: "In the sweat of your face you will eat bread unto you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken.  For dust you are and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:16-19)  The disobedient couple were expelled from the Paradise of happiness into the uncultivated earth. In course of time they died. -Genesis 5:5.

It was only after they had fallen from the mark of perfection that Adam and Eve began to produce children. All men today are their descendants in imperfection, and hence all die. One Bible writer explains it in these words:  "Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned."  What is this "sin"?  It is a falling short of the mark of imperfection or completeness.  Jehovah God does not approve of or keep alive anything  that is imperfect.  Since all men have inherited sin and imperfection from the first man Adam, death has "ruled as king" over them.  (Romans 5:12, 14) Fallen man dies, in the same way that the animals die. -Ecclesiastes 3:19-21. 

What is this "death"? Death is the opposite of life. God had held before man the prospect of endless life on earth if he obeyed. However, he disobeyed, and the penalty was death, unconsciousness, nonexistence.  God had said nothing about transferring man's life to a spirit realm or a fiery "hell" if he disobeyed and died. He had warned man:  "You will positively die."  It  was the  man-slaying Devil who had lied in saying:  "You  positively will not die." (Genesis 2:17; 3:4; John 8:44) What all men have inherited from Adam is dust-like death. -Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Psalm 115:17; 146:4.  

Is there, then, no future for  man who dies?  There is a wonderful future! The Bible shows that God's purpose of a paradise earth for all mankind, including those now dead, will never fail. says Jehovah:"The heavens are my throne, and the earth  is my footstool."  "I shall glorify the very place of my feet." (Isaiah 66:1; 60:13)  Out of the abundance of his love, Jehovah sent his Son, the Word, to this earth, that the world of mankind might gain life through him.  (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9)  There are three important things that we must now discuss and that Jehovah accomplishes through his Son, name, (1) providing  a release from the power of death; (2) actually restoring the dead to life: and (3) establishing a perfect government over all mankind. 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/Release From Death 

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Bad Things--Why Does God Permit Them?

If God's purpose is to build a paradise earthy, how is it that the earth today is so filled with wickedness, suffering, and sorrow?  If God is the Almighty, why has he permitted these conditions for so long? Is there hope of an end to all our troubles?  What does the Bible say? 

The Bible shows that mankind's troubles began when one of the spirit sons of God rebelled against Jehovah's sovereignty, or dominion. (Romans 1:20; Psalm 103:22)  No doubt this angel was among those who had rejoiced at seeing the creation of man. But then covetousness and pride took root in his heart, and he was enticed  by the desire to have Adam and Eve worship him instead of their Creator, Jehovah.  Speaking through a serpent, much as a ventriloquist speaks through a dummy, this angel induced Eve to disobey Almighty God.  Her husband Adam then followed her into disobedience. -Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-6; James 1:14. 15. 

That rebellious angel came to be known as "the original serpent." (Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3)  He is also named Satan, meaning  "Opposer," and Devil, meaning "Slanderer."  He called into issue the rightness and righteousness of Jehovah's rulership of earth, and he challenged God that now he, Satan, could turn all mankind aside from true worship.  God has allowed Satan some 6,000 years to attempt to prove his challenge, so that the issue over Jehovah's sovereignty might be settled for all eternity.  Man-rule independent of God has failed miserably.   But men and women of faith, among whom Jesus is the outstanding, have kept integrity to God under the severest trials, vindicating Jehovah and proving the Devil a liar.   (Luke 4:1-13; Job 1:7-12; 2:1-6; 27:5)  You, too, can be an integrity keeper.   (Proverbs 27:11) But Satan is not the only enemy that afflicts us. What other enemy is there?

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/The Enemy-Death

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Jehovah's Creations and Miracles

Jehovah creates, and he performs miracles. Have you ever wondered about the turning of water into blood, the parting of the Red Sea, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, and other miracles recorded in the Bible?  Since man is of limited intellectual power, probably  he will never understand how some of these miracles happened, the same as he cannot fully understand the miracle of the sun rising and setting each day.  The creation  of man was a miracle.  Modern man  did not see that miracle, but he knows it happened, for he is alive today to prove it.  Indeed, all life  and all the universe constitute one perpetual miracle. So are we to doubt when God's Word, the Bible, says that he performed miracles for specific times, even though there is no  need for the same miracles today?

All of Jehovah's creation is miraculous and wonderful!  However, his very first creation was the marvelous of all. It was the creation of a spirit Son, his "firstborn."  (Colossians 1:15)  This heavenly Son was named "the Word." Countless ages after his creation, he came to this earth and was called the  "man, Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)  Then it was said of him:  "So the Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory, a glory such as belongs to an only-begotten son from a father; and he was full of undeserved kindness and truth." -John 1:14.

The relationship of Jehovah and his Son may be compared to that of the owner-manager and his son in a workshop, where the son helps make the items designed by his father.  Through his firstborn Son and companion worker, Jehovah created other spirit creatures, sons of God.  Later, these rejoiced to see Jehovah's Son, his Master Worker, bring for the material heavens and the earth on which we live.  Do you doubt that these things were created?  Thousands of years later, Jehovah "Where did you happen to be when I found the earth? Tell me, if you do know understanding. When the morning stars joyfully cry out together, and all the sons of God began shouting in applause?" -Job 38:4, 7;John 1:3.

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/Conclusion of  Jehovah's Creations and Miracles

From the Awake! magazine  

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Conclusion of The God of the Bible

The glorious wonders that surround us-the flowers, the birds, the animals, the marvelous creation called man, the miracles of life and of birth-these all testify to the invisible Master Intellect that produced them.   (Romans 1:20) Where there is intellect, there is mind. Where there is mind, there is a person.  The supreme intellect is that of the Supreme Person, the Creator of all things living,the very Fountain of life.  (Psalm 36:9) The Creator is indeed worthy of all praise and adoration. -Psalm 104:24; Revelation 4:11. 

There are some whose belief in God was shaken by the hard experiences of World War II.   At that time each country called upon its "God," whether of the Catholic or Protestant religions or of the Oriental religions.  Could it be said that "God" gave victory to some of these nations and allowed others to be defeated?  The Bible shows that none of these nations were calling on the true God. Jehovah God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is not responsible for the confusion and wars among then nations.  (1 Corinthians 14:33) His thoughts are far above those of the political and militaristic nations of this earth.  (Isaiah 55:8, 9) Likewise, the true religion and worship of Jehovah has no part in the wars of the nations.  Jehovah is far above nationalistic gods. He is unique in being the God of peace-loving men and women in all nations. As the Bible says:  "God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him." (Acts 10:34, 35)   Righteously inclined persons in all nations are now learning the Bible and are embracing the worship of the true "God who gives peace," the Creator of all mankind.  -Romans 16:20; Acts 17:24-27. 

Some people point to the divisions and hypocrisy in the religions of Christendom, which claim to follow the Bible."  They also say, 'How can I believe the God of the Bible, when the nations that have the Bible are among those feverishly stockpiling nuclear weapons?'  The fact is that, while the Bible remains always true, the nations of Christendom have become as far removed from Bible  Christianity as the North Pole is removed from the South Pole.  They are hypocritical in professing Christianity. They have the Bible, but they don't obey its teaching.  The American president who ordered the first atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima once explained:  "Oh, for an Isaiah or a St. Paul!" -to guide men in this world crisis. Had he agreed with the Isaiah of the Bible, he would never have dropped an atom bomb, for Isaiah advocated 'beating  swords into plowshares and spears into pruning shears."  Moreover, it  was Paul of the Bible who declared:  "We do not wage warfare according to what we are in the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly." (Isaiah 2;4; 2 Corinthians 10:3, 4)  However, instead of following the wise counsel of the Bible, the nations of Christendom have become involved in suicidal armaments race. Any claims they make to being Bible-obeying Christians are false.  They must face God's judgement for failing to do his will. -Matthew 7:18-23; Zephaniah 1:17, 18. 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/Jehovah's Creations and Miracles

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

 Continue with The God of the Bible

During recent centuries, men of science have given much time to studying the works of creation. What have they concluded?  One of the pioneers in the field of electricity, the well-known British physicist Lord Kelvin, declared:  "I believe the more thoroughly science is studied the further does it take us from anything compared to atheism."  The European-born scientist Albert Einstein, though reputed to be an atheist, confessed:  "It is enough for me to .  . .reflect upon the marvelous structure of the universe, which we can dimly perceive, and to try humbly to comprehend even an infinitesimal part of the intelligence manifest in nature."  The American scientist and Nobel prize winner Arthur Holly Compton said:  "An orderly unfolding universe testifies to  the truth of the most majestic statement ever uttered-'In the beginning God.' " He was quoting the opening  words of the Bible.  

Rulers of might nations may boast of their intelligence and scientific accomplishments in the conquest of outer space.  But how insignificant their space satellites are when compared with the moon that orbits the earth, and the planets that orbit the sun!  How puny the achievements of these mortal men in comparison with Jehovah's creation of billions of heavenly galaxies, each containing billions of suns like our  own, and his grouping and setting them in space for measureless time!  (Psalm 19:1, 2; Job 26:7, 14) It is no wonder that Jehovah regards men as mere grasshoppers, and mighty nations "as nothing." -Isaiah 40: 13-18, 22.  

Did you live in a house? Probably you did not build the house yourself, nor do you know who did. However, the fact that you do not know the builder would not prevent you from accepting the  truth that some intelligent person built it. To reason that the house built itself would appear very foolish!  Since the great universe, and everything in it, required infinitely greater intelligence for its construction, is it not reasonable to conclude that there must be an Intelligent Creator?  Truly, only the senseless one would say  in his heart, "There is no Jehovah." -Psalm 14:1; Hebrews 3:4.

Next time:  "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/Conclusion of The God of the Bible

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

The God of the Bible

Just as some people have scoffed about the Bible, others scoff about there being an almighty God. (2 Peter 3:3-7) They says, 'How can I believe in God, since I cannot see him?  Is there proof that an invisible Creator, higher than any man, really exists?  (Note: Oh! he exists alright)  Does not God dwell in everything?' Others say, "There is no God or Buddha.' However, the Bible shows that just as off us us received life through and earthly father, so our original ancestors received life from a heavenly Father, or Creator, who personal name is Jehovah. -Psalm 83:18; 100:3; Isaiah 12:2;  26:4.

Jehovah has revealed himself to mankind in two outstanding ways.  The principal way is through the Bible, which makes known his truth and his eternal purposes.  (John 17:17; 1 Peter 1:24, 25) The other way is through his creation. By observing the wonderful things around them, many people have come to appreciate their there must be a Creator-God whose grand personality is reflected in his works. -Revelation 15:3, 4. 

Jehovah God is the Author of the Bible, He is the Great Spirit, existing through all eternity.  (John 4:24; Psalm 90:1, 2) His name "Jehovah" calls attention to his purpose toward his creatures.  It is his purpose to vindicate that great name by destroying the wicked and rescuing those who love him so they can live on a paradise earth.  (Exodus 6:2-8; Isaiah 35:1, 2) Being the Almighty God, he has the power to do this. As the Creator of the universe, he is far above ordinary national gods and idols. -Isaiah 42:5, 8; Psalm 115:1, 4-8. 

Next time: "Look! I Will Make All Things New"/Continue with The God of the Bible

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

The Bible-An Oriental Book

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible is not a product of the civilization of the West, nor does it glorify that civilization. Almost the entire Bible was written in Oriental countries. The men who wrote it down were all Orientals. One thousand years before Buddha, in 1513, B.C.E., Moses, who lived in the Middle East, was inspired By God (God's words)  to write the first book of the Bible, called Genesis.  From this beginning, the Bible follows one harmonious theme right through to its final book of Revelation.  The Bible was complete in 98 C.E., about 600 years after Buddha.  Did you know that the Bible is made up of 66 different books?   Yes, the Bible is a library in itself!  

Thus over period of 1,600 years from Moses' time on, some 40 men shared in writing the harmonious record of the Bible.   They testify that their writings were inspired  by a power far higher than mortal man.  The  Christian apostle Paul wrote:  "All Scripture is inspired  of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness."  (2 Timothy 3:16) And the apostle Peter explained: "No prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne  along by holy spirit." -2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70. 

Most remarkable, too, is the way the Bible has come down to this day. For thousands   of years, until the invention of printing about 500 years ago, copies of the Bible had to be made by hand. No other literary work of ancient times was diligently copied and recopied. It was copied over and over again, but always with great care.  The copyists made only  a few minor errors, and a comparison of these has established an original text inspired by God.  A leading authority on Bible manuscripts, Sir Frederic Kenyon, says:  "The last foundation for any doubt that  the Scriptures have come down to us substantially  as they were written has now been removed." Today, there are still in still in existence about 16,000 handwritten copies of the Bible or parts of it, some even surviving  from the second century before Christ.  Moreover, accurate translations have been made from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages in which the Bible was originally written into nearly all the languages of the earth.

Some have tried to discredit the Bible by saying it is inaccurate.  However, in recent years archaeologists have dug into the ruins of ancient cities in Bible land and have found inscriptions and other evidence proving conclusively that the persons and places mentioned even in the oldest Bible records actually existed.  They have unearth much evidence pointing  to a global deluge, which the Bible says took place more than 4,000 years ago, in Noah's day. On this point, Prince Mikasa, a well-known archaeologist, stated:  "Was there really a Flood? . . .The fact that the flood actually took place has been convincingly proved." 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/ The God of the Bible

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

The Book That Explains Paradise

All these glorious things, and the certainty of them, are explained in a book, the  most wonderful book ever written.  It is called the Bible.  It is a very ancient book, parts of it having been written some 3,500 years ago. At the same time, it is the most up-to-date book in presenting sound, practical counsel for modern-day living. Its prophecies arouse bright hope for the future. It is the best-seller of all history, over 2,000,000,000 copies of the entire Bible or major sections thereof having been distributed in some 1, 810 languages. 

No other holy book has had so universal a distribution, and most others are nearly as old.  The Koran of Islam  is less then 1,400 years old. Buddha and Confucius lived about 2,500 years ago, and their writings date from that time.  The Scriptures of Shinto were composed in their present form no more than 1,200 years ago.  The Book of Mormon is only 160  years old. None of these holy books can accurate trace human history back through 6,000 years, as does the Bible.  To understand original religion, we must therefore go to the Bible.  It is the only book with a universal message for all mankind. 

The wisdom  and beauty of the Bible message have been acclaimed by thinking men from all nations and from all walks of life. The renowned scientist and discoverer of the law of gravity, Sir Isaac Newton, said:  "No sciences are better attested to than the Bible."  Patrick Henry, the American revolutionary leader famous for the words "Give me liberty or give  me death," also declared:  "The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed." Even the great Hindu sage Mohandas K. Gandhi once told the British viceroy of India:  "When your country and mine shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in this Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems, not only of our countries but those of the whole world." Gandhi was speaking of Matthew 5-7 in the Bible.  Read these chapters yourself and see if you do not thrill to their powerful message. 

Next time:  "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/The Bible-An Oriental Book

From the Awake! magazine 

"Look! I Am Making All Things New"

Would you like to be happy, at peace and harmony with no problems and no worries or sickness  where there is no worry of nuclear fall-out, no soldier no tanks, no guns no war etc..?     Well, there will be a world just like that, a paradise earth, where  we are peace with the animals and each other all the freedom, and all the peace and quiet we could want.  Just smell the flowers, the clean air,  enjoying the best the earth can produce.  

'But stop,' someone says, 'where are the old people? Should they, too, not share in enjoying the happy society?'  Actually, the old people are right there, but they are growing young again. In this park no one dies from old age.  The young now grow up to be mature manhood and grow no older. Whether 20 years or 200 years old, each of the millions of people living in this park rejoices in the zest of youthful living, in perfect health.  Millions, you say? Yes, millions, for this park is being extended into every land. It will abound  with life, peace, and beauty to the very ends of our earth, from Fuji to the Andes, from Hong Kong to the Mediterranean.  For all earth is being transformed into a paradise park. It will be Paradise restored earth wide.

'Unbelievable,' did you say? First, though, consider the facts in proof.  It is possible for you and your family to survive the passing of the present troubled system of things and to enter the Paradise spoken off above. 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"/The Book That Explains Paradise

From the Awake! magazine 

LEIF ERIKSSON DISCOVERER OF AMERICA? -BY AWAKE WRITER IN DENMARK

What Became of the Norsemen?

There is no record of a permanent Norse settlement in America.  There may have been a short-lived, abortive attempt at settling there; but conditions were harsh, and native Americans-whom the Vikings called Skraelings-proved to be more than a match for the intruders.  In Greenland the descendants of Erik the Red and of his son Leif Eriksson had a difficult time.  The climate grew harsher, and provisions became sparse. After four or five centuries, the Norse seem to have disappeared entirely of Greenland.  The last written record of  Norsemen in Greenland involves a weeding held in  a Greenland church in 1408.  Over a  century later, a German merchant ship found the Greenland colony entirely deserted but for a single body that had not been buried-that of a man, his knife at his side. After that, there is silence about the Norsemen in Greenland. Not until the 18th century did Norwegian and Danish settlers arrive to establish a permanent colony.  

It was from Greenland, however, that intrepid Norse navigators set out for a new world. One can still imagine those hardy sailors guiding their square-sailed boats across unknown waters until they gazed in wonder at a coastline on the horizon-never suspecting that five centuries later, Christopher Columbus would be hailed as the discoverer of this New World. 

Next time: "Look! I Am Making All Things New"

From the Awake! magazine 

LEIF ERIKSSON DISCOVERER OF AMERICA? -BY AWAKE! WRITER IN DENMARK

This sub -topic goes with the blog before this one. I just wanted to let the readers know how the Norse sailors used latitude and longitude. 


What Evidence? 

No one really knows how to reconcile the details of this Norse saga with today's geography.  The sketch and cryptic details of the sagas have long intrigued historians. However, the most substantial evidence of a Norse presence in America before Columbus is the site excavated during the 1960's and 1970's in Newfoundland, near the village of L'Anse aux Meadows. This site contains the ruins of houses that are indisputably Norse, as well as an iron furnace and other objects that have been dated to the time of Leif Eriksson. Also a Danish explorer working in southern Newfoundland recently found a carefully crafted stone weight that was probably used in a Viking ship. 

The Norse voyages to new lands in the far west were not kept secret. Leif Eriksson traveled to Norway to report what he had seen to the Norwegian king.  When Adam of Bremen, a German historian and head of a cathedral school, traveled to Denmark about 1070 to learn of lands to the north, Denmark's King Sweyn told him about Vinland, with the excellent wine.  This bit of lore became part of Adam Bremen's chronicle. Hence, many of the learned in Europe came to know of the western lands that Norsemen had visited. Additionally, ancient Icelandic annals of the 12th and 14th centuries mentioned some later Norse voyages to Markland and Vinland west of Greenland. 

Christopher Columbus too many well have known about the Vinland journeys that took place some 500 years before his time. According to one book about Vinland, there are indications that before his famous voyage of 1492/93, Columbus even traveled to Iceland in order to study the records there. 

Next time: LEIF ERIKSSON DISCOVERER OF AMERICA? -BY AWAKE! WRITER IN DENMARK/What Became of the Norsemen?

From the Awake! magazine