Protect Yourself From Misinformation

 Today, you have access to more information than ever, including the kind that can help you stay safe and healthy.  But in your search, you need to be aware of misinformation, such as:

. Misleading news

. Falser reports

. Conspiracy theories

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the secretary-general of the United Nations warned of a dangerous epidemic of misinformation.  "Harmful health advice and snake-oil solutions are proliferating," he stated. "Falsehoods are filling the airwaves. Wild conspiracy theories are infecting the Internet.  Hatred is going viral, stigmatizing and vilifying people and groups."

Of course, misinformation is n ot new. However, the Bible foreetold  that in our day,  "wicked men and imposters [would]advance from bad to worse, misleading being misled." (2 Timothy 3:1, 13) and the Internet now allows  us to receive -and untinetionally spread-false news more easily and quickly than ever.  The news  on TV, radio, etc is censored so we don't know the whole truth only what certain people want us to know.  As a result, our email, social-media, and new feeds can be filled  with distorted facts and half-truths.

How can you protect yourself from misleadig information and conspiracy theories? Consider some Bible principles that can help.

Next time: Protect Yourself From Misinformation -Continue

From the jw.org publications

Bible Questions Answered -Why is Jesus Called God's Son?

 God does not have a literal wife with whom he fathered children.  He is the Creator of all life. Humans were created with the capacity to imitate God's qualities.  That is why the first human that God created, Adam, is called a  "son of God." Similarly, Jesus is called "the Son of God" because he was created with qualities like those of his Father. - Read LUKE 3:38; JOHN 1:14, 49.

When was Jesus created?

God created Jesus before creating Adam. In fact, God created Jesus and then used him to make everything else. including the angels.  That is why the Bible calls Jesus "the firstborn of all creation" by God. - Read COLOSSIANS 1:15, 16.

Before he was born in Bethlehem, Jesus lived as a spirit in heaven. When the time came, God transferred Jesus' life from heaven to Mary's womb so that he could be born as a human. - Read LUKE 1:30-32; JOHN 6:38; 8:23.

Why did God have Jesus born on earth as a human? What special role did Jesus fulfill?  You can find the answers to those questions in the Biblr, and they will greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of what God and Jesus have done for you.

Next time: Protect Yourself From Misinformation

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Peter and Ananias Lied -What Lesson Can We Learn? -Conclusion

 Ananias and his wife sell some property to get money to help the newly baptized ones.  When Ananias brings the money to the apostles, he says it is the total amount from the sale. But it is not! He keeps some money for himself!  God lets Peter know this, so Peter tells Ananias:  "You have false, not to men, but to God."  At that, Ananias falls down dead! About three hours later, his wife comes in.  Not knowing what has happened to her husband, she also tells a lie and falls down dead.

What a powerful lesson this is: Telling the truth is important! Yes, we all need to learn it! Yet, we all make mistakes, especially when we are young.  Are you not happy that Jehovah loves you and will forgive you even as he did Peter? -But remember, we need to tell the truth. And if we ever make the big mistake of lying, we need to ask, yes, bet God to forgive us.  That is what Peter must have done, and he was forgiven. If we try hard not to lie anymore, God will forgive us too! 

Next time: Bible Questions Answered/ Why Is Jesus Called God's Son?

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN -Peter and Ananias Lied - What Lesson Can We Learn?

 Ananias, another early disciple of Jesus, also lied. But God did not forgive either him or yhis wife Sapphira.  She had agreed with her husband to tell a lie.  Let's see why God did not forgive Ananias and Sapphira.

Ten days after Jesus left the apostles and returned to God in heaven, some 3,000 people are baptized in Jerusalem.  Many have come from distant lands to celebrate the Festival of Pentecost, and after becoming disciples of Jesus, they want to stay longer to learn more about their new faith. So some of Jesus' disciples use their own money to take care of them.

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Peter and Ananias Lied -What Lesson Can We Learn? -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN -Peter and Ananias Lied-What Lesson Can We Learn? -Continue

 Could a thing like that happen to you? -You may be at school and hear students talking about Jehovah's Witnesses.  "They don't salute the flag," one says.  "They don't fight for their country," another adds.  Still another claims, "They really aren't Christians, because  they don't celebrate Christmas." Then one turns to you and asks, "Aren't you one of  Jehovah's Witnesses?" What will you say? 

Before such a thing happens, you need to be prepared to give a good answer.  Peter was not prepared.  When pressure came, he lied! Yet, he was very sorry about what he had done, and God forgave him.

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN -Peter and Ananias Lied -What Lesson Can We Learn?

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN -Peter and Ananias Lied -What Lesson Cab We Learn?

 The Bible says that later "another girl noticed him." She said: "This man was with Jesus." Again, Peter denies it. After a little while, others go up to Peter and say: "Certainly you also are one of them."  

Peter is scared. So for the third time, he lies, saying: "I do not know the man!" a roosrter crows. Jesus looks at Peter. and Peter remembers that a few hours earlier, Jesus told him:  "Before a cock cros,  you will disown me three times." Peter breaks down and cries.  He is so sorry!

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Peter and Ananias Lied-What Lesson Can We Learn? - Continue

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Peter and Ananias Lied -What Lesson Can We Learn?

 As you know, a lie is something  you say that you know is not true.  Have you ever told a lie?  Even some grown-ups who love God have lied. You probably know about a person in the Bible who did. His name is Peter, one Jesus' 12 apostles. Let's listen to  the story about why he told some lies.

After Jesus was arrested, he is taken to the home of the high priest. It is well past the middle of the night. Peter gets into the courtyard of the priest's home without being recognized. In the light of a fire, the high priest's servant girl who let Peter in recognizes him.  "You, too, were with  Jesus."  She says. Peter, in fear,  says he was not. 

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Peter and Ananias Lied -What Lesson Can We Learn?

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Jotham Remained Faithful Despite Troubles at Home - Conclusion

 This commandment means to be faithful to Jehovah even when that is hard to do.  Who do you think wants us to quite serving Jehovah? -God's enemy is Satan the Devil does.  Jesus called him "the god of this system of things."  Do we need to be afraid of Satan? 

No, we don't.  Rather we need to remember that Jehovah is more powerful than Satan.  Jehovah will protect us if we trust in him.  Read in your Bible how Jehpovah protected David from the fearsom giant Goliath. Jehovah can also protect you if you remain faithful to him. 

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Peter and Ananias Lied - What Lesson can We Learn?

From the jw.org publications 

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN -Jotham Remained Faithful Despite Troubles at Home -Continue

 Please turn in the Bible to Psalm 27:10.  David wrote here: "In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up." Think about this: What the Bible is saying is that if David's father, or his mother should stop serving Jehovah, David would keep on serving Him.

What about you? Would you keep on serving  Jehovah even if your mother or did not not? This is a good question  to ask yourself.  The reason has to do with the most important commandment in the Bible.  It is "You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with  your whole sould and with your whole mind." 

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Jotham Remained Faithful Despite Troubles at Home- Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Jotham Remained Faithful Despite Trouble at Home - Continued

 What if your father or mother stopped worshipping Jehovah?  That would make it very hard for you wouldn't it?- But it is not wrong to think about such a thing happening. A look at what David wrote in the Bible shows  us this.

David's father, Jesse, was a good  man.  He served Jehovah, and we be sure taht David loved his father. But David learned to love Jehovah even more than he loved Jesse. Let's see why we know this.

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Jotham Remained Faithful Despite Troubles at Home - Continue

From the jw.org publications 

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Jotham Remained Faithful Despite Troubles at Home

 WHEN a parent turns away from the true God, Jehovah, it can make life hard for a child. Let's talk about Jothak.  We'll learn about all the troubles he faced at hom when he was growing up. 

Jotham's father, Uzziah, was the king of Judah.  He was the most powerful man in the country. Uzziah had been a good king for many years, even before Jotham was born.  But later, when Jotham was still young, Uzziah became proud and broke God's Law. So God struck him with leprosy, a bad disease.  Do you know what Jotham did then? 

Jotham kept right on serving Jehovah.  Perhaps his mother, Jerusha, helped him.  Still. it may have been hard for Jotham to remain faithful to Jehovah after his father Uzziah, was turned away from Jehovah's house.

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - Jotham Remained Faithful Depite Troubles at  Home -Continue 

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - "They Were Called "Sons of Thunder" - Continue

 Jesus and his apostles are Jews, and most Jews  are mean to Samaritans.  Of course, Jesus never is.  He treats them kindly, as James and John should too. But the two disciples became angry with the Samaritans who didn't welcome them, and they ask Jesus:  'Do you want us to tell fire to come down and kill them? ' What you do you think Jesus says? - He tells them they are wrong to say such a bad thing!  Jame and John need to learn more about mercy.

Another big problem Jame and John have is that they want to be first, to be the most important.  Shortly before Jesus' death, htey send their mother to him to say:  "Give the word that these my two sons may sit down, one at  your right hand and one at  your left hand, in your kingdom." Well, when the ten others apostles hear what Jame and John have done they are angry.  Would you be angry too? 

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - "They Were Called "Sons of Thunder" -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - They Were Called "Sons of Thunder" -Continue

 Zebedee is  a fisherman, and James and John are too.   The two are among the first ones Jesus chooses to be his followers.   When he invites them, right away they leave their fishing business and follow him.  Later Jesus picks 12 of his followers to be his apostles.  James and John are two of these. 

A few months before Jesus is killed, he and his apostles are gong through the mountain territory of Samaria.  It is getting late, and they are all very tired.  But the Samaritans say they don't want Jesus and his apostles to stay overnight with them in their city. Do you know why? - Lets see.

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - They Were Called "Sons of Thunder" -Continued

From the jw.org publications

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - They Were Called "Sons of Thunder"

 DURING stormy weater, you may hear loud thunder.  Has it ever scared you? - Well Jesus calls two of his followers "Sons of Thunder."  Let's figure out why he does.

These two followers of Jesus are James and John.  They are brothers of Zebedee and his wife Salome.  Salome is probably a sister of Jesus' mother.  So Jesus, James, and John may be cousins and may have been good friends as they grew up.

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN - They Were Called "Sons of Thunder"

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be LIke Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joanna Soans - A Gift From Jehovah

 Elizabeth and I remained close friends for  almost 50 years.  She died in 2005, at the age of 98.  Unable to read the Bible in her later  years because of failing eyesight, she spend much of each day in intimate, extended to prays to God.  I thought at times that she was discussing a scripture with someone in her room, only to find out that she was talking to Jehovah.  He was a real Person to her, and she live as if she in his very presence.  I have learned that this is the key to remaining steadfast in serving God, as Jephthah's daughter did.  I am so thankful to Jehovah for providing an older, mature sister to mentor me during my young days and through all my struggles. - ECCLESIASTES 4:9,10.

What blessings I have enjoyed serving Jehovah as Jephthah's daughter did! Remaining single and following Bible counself have enabled me to live a rich. rewarding life, while maintaining "constant attendance upon the Lord without distraction." - 1 CORINTHIANS 7:35.

Next time: TEACH YOUR CHILDREN -They Were Called the "Sons of Thunder" 

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joanna Soans - "Don't You Want to Be Settled"

 Traditionally, Indian parents arrange for their children to get married while their sons and daughters are quite young, and they encourage them to raise a family.  So I was often asked: "Don't you want to be settled? Who will look after you in your old age?  Won't you feel lonely?"  

At times I felt emotionally suffocated by such repeated comments.  Although I hid my feelings in public, I poured out my heart to Jehovah as soon as I was alone. I was comforted in knowing that he did not view me as lacking because I was single.  To renew my resolve to serve him without distraction, I thought of Jephthah's daughter as well as Jesus-both of  who whom remained single and were absorbed in doing the will of God.- JOHN 4:34. 

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joanna Soans - A Gift From  Jehovah

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joahna Soans - "Keep Sharpening Your Skills"

 After about two and half years, we were reassigned to Bombay.  While Elizabeth continued  in the preaching work, I was asked to help my father, who was then the only translator of our Bible literature into the Kannada language. He welcomed my help, since he had many responsibilities in the congreation.

In 1966, my parents decided to return to Udipi, our former home. As he left Bombay, Father said:  "Keep sharpening your skills, my girl. Tanslate simple and clearly Avoid overconfidence, and remain humble. Rely on Jehovah."  This was his final advice to me for he passed away soon after returning to Udipi. I ahve endeavored to do just that in my translation work even today. 

Next time: I Wanted to be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joanna Soans - "Don't You Want to Be Settled?"

From the jw.org publictations

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joanna Soans - "We Are Never Really Alone" -Conclusion

 When funds for transportation were low, we walked up to 12 miles (20 km) daily through dust and mud, heat and cold. In the summer, temperatures often reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees c). During the monsoon seasong, parts of the territory remained muddy for months. Yet, we often found that the cultural views of the people  were more challenging than the weather.

Women did not communcate with men in public unless they were related, and women rarely taught men. So we faced  ridicule and abuse.  During the first six months, just the two of us met for the weekly Bible meetings.  In time, interested people joined us. Soon a small group was to form. Some even joined us in the ministry.

Next time:  I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daugther/As Told By Joanna Soans - "Keep Sharpening Your Skills" 

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told by Joana Soans - "We Are Never Really Alone"

 Our first assignment to the historic city of Aurangabadm nearly 250 miles (400 km) east of Bombay. It quickly dawned on us that we were the only two Witnesses in a city of nearly a million people.  Besides, I had to learn Marathi, the predominant language spoken in the city. 

At times, waves of loneliness came over me, and I would sob lika motherless child. But Elizabeth's motherly tone enouraged me,  "We may feel lonely at times, but we are never really alone," she would say: "Though you are far away from your friends and family, Jehovah is always with you.  Make him your friend , and your loneliness will soon fly away."  I treasure her advice to this day. 

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told by Joanna Soans - "We Are Never Really Along"

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jepjthh's Daugher/As Told By Joanna Soans - Jehovah Has Held My Hand

 I was baptized shortly after the memorable Bombay convention in 1956,  Six months later, I followed the examle of my older brother Prabhakar and became a full-time evangelize. Although I was eager to share Bible truths with others, my mouth went dry as soon as I tried to speak about what I believed. I stuttered, and my voice trembled.  'I can do this work only with Jehovah's help! I cried to myself.

Help from Jehovah came in the form of missionaries Homer and Ruth McKay from Canada who had attended missionary school of Jehovah's Witnesses in New York, U.S.A., in 1947.  They held my hand, so to speak, as I clumsily took my first steps when I began ion the ministry.  Ruth regularly practiced door-to-door presentations wit me. She exactly hos to calm my  nerves. Holding my trembling hands, she would say, "Don't worry dear. Let us try the next house.  Her reassuring tone gave me heart.

One day, I was informed that  Elizabeth Chakaranaraya, an oder experienced Bible teacher, would be my partner in the ministry. My initial action was: 'How will I manage to live with this sister? She is much older than I am! But she turned out to be exactly the partner I needed.

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daugther/As Told By Joanna Soans - "We Are Never Really Along" 

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daught/As Told By Joanna Soans -The "Scakes" Fell From my Eyes

 As a result of economic hardships following World War II, we moved to Bombay, Over 550 mile (900 km) away. There, in 1945 two of Jehovah's Witnesses visited my father and gave him a Bible booklet. Father drank in its message the way parched soil drinks in the rain and he began to share  its message with other Kannada-speaking people. By the early  1950's, a small study group had grown into the first Kannada-language congregation in Bombay. 

Father and Mother taught us children to be keen Bible students and good teachers. Each day, they foud opportunities to pray and study with us.  (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; 2 Timothy 3:14-16) On day while I was reading the Bible, scales, as it were, fell from my eyes. I learned that Jehovah is likened to shepherd because he guides, feeds, and protects his worshippers. - PSALM 23:1-6; 83:18.

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joana Soans - Jehovah Has Held My Hand

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told by Joanna Soans - My Family Background -Conclusion

 Traditionally, we had been part of a matrilineal system, in which children were considered part of the mother's family.  Lineage was traced through her, and daughters receved the larger share of the inheritance.  In some Tulu communities, a girl continued to live with with her mother after marriage, and her husband would join her.

Since our family had become nominal Christans, some things were different. Each evening my grandfather led the family in worship, praying, and reading from the Bible in the Tulu language.  Whenever he opened his tattered copy of the Bible to read to us, it was as if he were opening a box of  jewels.  It was exciting!  Psalm 23:1 intrigued me: "Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing." I wondered,  who is this Jehovah, and why is he called a shepherd?

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joanna Soans - The "Scales" Fell From My Eyes

From the jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told By Joanna Soans

 My Family Background

I was the fifth of six children born to Benjamin and Marcelina Soans in Udipi, a city on the west coast of India.  Our mother tongue is Tulu, a language spoiken by about two million people.  However, like most people in Udipi, our education was in teh Kannada language.

Marriage and childbearing have always doninated life in this area.  Growing up, I do not ever recall learning the Tulu expressions for "singleness," or "loneliness," or "homesickeness."  It was as if these conditions did not exist.  Our family, for example, shared a home with my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and dozen cousins!

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As Told by Joana Soans - My Family Background -Conclusion

From the  jw.org publications

I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughte/As Told by Joanna Soans

 When I was still a teenager, I developed a strong desire to be like Jephthah's daughter.  Let me explain what I had in  mind and how I became much like her.

IN 1956, I attended my first assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, and that changed my life. I was deeply moved by a talk I heard about Jephthah's daughter. 

As you may have read in the Bible, Jephthah's daughter when apparently only a teenager, agreed not to marry. This made it possible for her father to fulfill a vow he had made. So she served as a single woman in Jehovah's house, or tabernacle, for the rest of her life. - JUDGES 11:28-40.

Oh, how I wanted to be like her!  But I faced a big problem-remaining unmarried was contrary to  our culture in India at the time.

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter - My Family Background

From the jw.org publications

"Holy, Holy, Holy Is Jehovah" - Draw Close to God

Isaiah next observes  what perhaps no other human has been privileged to see in vision.  He writes: "Seraphs were standing above him [Jehovah].  Each one had six wings. With two he kep his face covered, and with two he kept his feet covered, and with two he would fly about." (Verse 2) Seraphs are spirit creatures of very high rank.  Isaiah is the only Bible writer who mentions them.  The seraphs are standing ever ready to move and to act in carrying out the divine will for them.  They are covering their face and feet, showig due reverence and respect for the One in whose presence they are privileged to serve.

Isaia his awed not only by what he sees bug also by what he hears. Forming a heavenly choir the seraphs lift up their voices in song. Isaiah writes: "This one called to that one and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies.'" (Verse 3) The Hebrew word  rendcred "holy"  conveys the idea of cleanness and purity.  The world also includes "the thought o complete freedom and separation from what is sinful." In what is perhaps a continuous antiphonal son, the seraphs sing the word "holy" three times, emphasizing that Jehovah is holy to the superlative degree. (Revelation 4:8) Holiness, bthen, is a distinguishing characteristic of his nature. Through and through, Jehovah is pure, clean,a nd blameless.

Knowing that Jehovah is holy should move us to draw closer to him. Why?  Unlike human rulers who may become corrupt and abusive, Jehovah is completely free of what is sinful.  His holiness thus guarantees that he will be the  ideal Father, a righteous Ruler, and an impartial judge.  We have every reasson to be confident that the God whose very essence is hgoly will never disappoint us. 

Next time: I Wanted to Be Like Jephthah's Daughter/As told by Johana Soans

From the jw.org publications

"Holy, Holy, Holy Is Jehovah"

 Draw Close to God

IF You had to choose a single word to describe Jehovah God-his essence, or nature-what would you select?  In the eight century B.C.E. , the prophet Isaiah was given a vision in which heard spirit creatures extolling Jehovah, using a word that describes a key aspect of  His very essence -holiness.  What Isaiah saw and heard should fill us with awe and draw us closer to Jehovah.  As we consider the words at (Isaiah 6:1-3, imagine yourself there .

What does Isaiah see? "I . . . got to see Joseph, sitting on a throne and lofty and lifted up," reports Isaiah, (verse 1) Isaiah is not actually viewing the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.  Physical eyes cannot peer into the spirit realm. The Bible plainly states: "No man has seen God at any time. (John 1:18) What Isaiah sees is a vision.  Still, the vision is especially vivid-so real that Isaiah is awestruck, reacting as if he were seeing Jehovah himself.

Next time:"Holy, Holy, Holy Is Jehovah" -Draw Close to Jehovah

From the jw.org publications

Did You Know?

 Which of the Christian Greek Scriptures were present at Pentecost 33 C.E.

.  It is possible that six of the eight men who wrote this portion of the Scriptures were present. 

According to the Acts  account, Jesus instructed his disciples:  " Do not withdraw from Jerusalem, but keep waiting for what the Father has promised." (Acts 1:4) The same accout indicates that future Bible writers  Matthew, John, and Peter obeyed this instruction and gathered "at the same place," with other disciples.  Jesus' half brothers were also there. (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-4) Two of them, James and Jude (Judas) later wrote the two Bible books  that bear their names. -MATTHEW 13:55; JAMES 1:1; JUDE 1. 

In his Gospel, Mark speaks of a young man who fled on the night of Jesus' arrest. He was evidently referring to himsel, since the disciples had already abandoned Jesus. (Mark 14:50-52) Therefore. Mark seems to have been an early disciples, and it is possible that he was present at Pentecost. 

The two remaining writers of the inspired Christian Greek Scriptures were Paul and Luke.  At Pentecost 33 C.E. Paul was not yet a  follower of Christ.  (Galatians 1:17, 18)  Apparently, Luke was not present either, since he exluded himself from the "eyewitnesses" of Jesus' ministry. - LUKE 1:1-3.

Next time: "Holy, Holy, Holy Is Jehovah"/Draw Close to God

From the jw.org publications

Did You Know?

 What is the "coccus scarlet material" often referred to in the book of Exodus?

. According to the Bible account,  the tent cloths forming the walls and gate of the tabernacle, Israel's  ancient center of worship, were made of "blue thread and wool dyed reddish purple and coccus scarlet material and fine twisted linen." (Exodus 26:1; 38:18)  "The holy garments" if the priest were also to be made using "coccus scarlet material." - EXODUS 28:1-6.

Coccus scarlet, also known as kermes, was dye that yielded a brilliant red, or scarlet, color.  The dye was extracted from the bodies of the female insects of the Coccidae family. These wingless insects live on the kermes oask tree (Quercus coccifera), native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean Coast.  The scarlet color is contained in the eggs carried inside the body of the female. In that state, the insect resembles a berry, about the size and form of a pea, attached to the leaves and twigs of the kermes oak. After being hanpicked and crushed, the insects yied a scarlet color, soluable in water and suitable for dying cloth.  The Roman historian Pliny the Elder mentioned coccus scarket and counted it among the highly esteemed colors of his day.

Next time: Did You Know? Which of the Christian Greek Scriptures were present at Pentecost 33. C.E.? 

From the jw.org publications

'"A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - A Balanced View of Love and Hate

 Clearly, as imitators of God, true Christians need to understand when it is "a time to love" and when it is "a time to hate."  Sentimentally can cause one's view of love and mercy to become unbalanced. But the words of the disciple Jude can help us to keep the proper balance between showing mercuy and hating sin: "Continue showing  mercy to others, doing so with fear, while you hate even the inner garment that has been stained by the fleshy." (Jude 22, 23) We should therefore hate what is bad but not the person who does what is bad.

Christians are also commanded to show love for their enemies by doing good to them. "Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you, said Jesus. (Matthew 5:44) That is why Jehovah's Witnesses do not cease preaching the good news of God's Kingdom again and again to their neighbors, even though some do not respond to that message. (Matthew 24:14)  Looking at matters  from the the Bible's point of view, the Witnesses consider every person a potential recipient of Jehovah's love and mercy. When their efforts to help people  are not appreciated or when they are rejected even persecuted, the Witnesses follow the apostle Paul's counsel:  "Keep on blessing those who persecute; be blessing and do not be cursing . . .Return evil for evil to no one." (Romans 12:14, 17) They bear in mind that Jehovah will determine who meets his love and who deserves his hatred.  He is the final judge in mattes of life and death. - HEBREWS 10:30.

"Yes, God is love." As for us, we show appreciation for his love and make an effort to find out what his will is and then do it.  Jehovah's Witnesses in your locality will be pleased to apply it in your life.  Doing so, you will avoid God's hatred and enjoy  his love.

Next time: Did You Know?

From the jw.org publications

"A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - When Hatred Is Justified

 This was true of Adam and Eve and also of Judas Iscariot.  Since Adam and Eve were created perfect and since God's command to them was explicit and understood by both, it is evident that their sinning was willful and deliberate and therefore inexcusable.  God's word to them afterward offered no invitation to repent.  (Genesis 3:16-24) Judas, although imperfecrt, had lived in close association with God's own Son and  yet turned traitor. Jesus himself referred to him as "the son of destruction." (John 17:12) The Bible also shows tha the Devil is an inveterate sinner who can only expect destruction. (1 John 3:8; Revelation 12:12) These individuals have incurred God's hatred. 

It is reassuring  to know, however, that not everyone who has sinned is beyond recovery.  Jehovah is very patient and takes no delight in punishing those who have sinned on account of ignorance. (Ezekiel 33:11)  He invites them to repent and be forgiven. We read:  "Let the wicked  man leave his way, and the harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." - ISAIAH 55:7.

Next time: "A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - A Balanced View of Love and Hate

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"A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - When Hatred Is Justified

What, though, if someone comes to know the wil of God but refuses to do i t?  That person is gaining, not God's love, but his disfavor. If he willingly practices the things that Jehovah hates, he incurs his hatred. For example, the Bible says: "Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates." ( Psalm 11:5) For such an unrepentant one there is no forgiveness, as the apostle Paul makes clear in his letter to the Hebrews:  "If we practice sin willfully after having  received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and there is a fiery jealousy thath  is going to consume those in oipposition." (Hebrews 10:26, 27) Why does a God of love take that position?

When a person practices (keeps doing)  a grave sin willfully, the wickedness can become so firmlyentrenched that there is no separating it from the person.  He may become depraved, incorrigibl, irreformable.  The Bible compares such a person to a leopard that cannot change its spots/  (Jeremiah 13:23)  Beyond repentance, the individual commites what the Bible  calls  "everlasting sin," for which there is no forgiveness. - MARK 3:29.

Next time: "A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - When Hatred Is Justified-Conclusion

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"A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - God's Love Verses His Hatred

 This second meaning is what we considering here. It is an intense aversion, an  utter abhorrence-not malice, spite, or a desire to inflict injury.  Can God have this kind of hatred? Note what is expresseed at Proverbs 6:16-19: "There are six things that Jehovah does hate; yes, seven are things destestable to his soul: lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are sheeding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers."

As we can see, there are certain practices that God hates. Yet, he does not necessarily hate the perso who commits such things.  He takes into consideration extenuating circumstances, such as fleshly weaknesses, enviornment, upbringing, and ignorance.  (Genesis 8:21; Romans 5:12) The writer of Provervs  explains this with a fine example: "The one whom Jehovah loves he reproves, even a father does a son in whom he finds pleasure." (Proverbss 3:12) A Child's  disobedient acts may be hated, but the parent still loves the child and does all he can to help him recover from his bad conduct by disciplinging him.  In his love, Jehovah takes a similar course when there hope of saving the sinful person.

Next time: "A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - When Hatred Is Justified

From the jw.org publications

"A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - God's Love Verses His Hatred

 Wise King Solomon made this declaration: "For everything there is an appointed time, evena  time for every affair under the heavens . . . a time to love and a time to hatwe." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8) According to this principle, although God is very loving and kind, there are times when he hates. 

First, what does "hate" mean as used in the Bible?  One reference work answers: "In the Scriptures the word 'hate' has several shades of meaning. It may denote intense hositility, sustaning ill will often accompanied by malice.  Such hate may become  a comsuming emotion seeking to bring harm to its object." This is the meaning we are most familiar with, and we see the effect of this hate all over the world. But the same work goes on to say: "Hate" may also signify a strong dislike but without any internt to bring harm to the object." 

Next time: "A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - God's Love Verses His Hatred-Conclusion

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"A Time to Love and a Time to Hate"

 "GOD is love." In some lands people frame those words and hang them on a wall in their home.  Indeed, it is a beautiful expression that describes what God is-the personification of love.

Many people, though, do not know  that those words are from the Bible.  It was the apostle John who wrote: "He that does no love has not come to know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:8) John also wrote about God's love for the world of redeemable mankind: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlastign life." - JOHN 3:16. 

With that in  mind, some may think that God is always willing to overlook anything that we do.  The way many people live shows that they think that no matter how they conduct themselves, God will not call them for account for their behavior. But is that really true?  Does God love everyone, both the good and the evil? Is there ever a time when God hates?

Next time: "A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" - God's Love Verses His Hatred

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Who Can Interpret Prophecy? -Bible Prophecies and You

 Joseph and Daniel stood before the kings of their day and delivered prophetic messages that affected nations and kingdoms. Christians in the first century stood before the people of their day as spokesment of Jehovah, the God of prophecy, and brought great benefit to those who responded to the messages.

Today, Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide are sounding forth a prophetic message on "the conclusion of the system of things" is undergoing fulfillment.  (Matthew 24:3. 14)  Do you know  what that prophecy is and how it will affect you? Jehovah's Witnesses are happy to help you understand and benefit from what is surely one of the grandest of all Bible prophecies. 

Next time: "A TIme to Love and a Time to Hate"

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Who Can Intrerpret Prophecy? - "Interpretations Belong to God" -Continue

 "Interpretations belong to God"in another sense.  Guided by holy spirit, Joseph, a faithful servant of Jehovah God, was able to understand the meaning of the perplexing dreams his fellow prisoners related to him.  (Genesis 41:38) When present-day servants of God are unsure of the meaning of a certain prophecy, they pray for God's spirit and then diligently study and search the spirit-inspired Word of God. With  God's guidance they can locate scriptures that open up the meaning of some prophecies. The interpretation does not come miraculously through any humans. It comes from God because it is by means of his spirit and  his Word that meaning comes clear. The interpretation is not introduced from outside the Bible by human forecasters. - ACTS 15:12-21.

"Interpretations belong to God" also in that he determines and directs when a prophecy  can be discerned before, during, or aftyer  its fulfillment.  Since God tied up the prophecies, he will  unravel them at the right time-his time.

Next time: Who Can Interpret Prophecy? - "Interpertations Belong to God" -Conclusion

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Who Can Interpret Prophecy? -"Interpretations Belong to God"

 Some 3,700 years ago, two men were locked away in a prison in Egypt. Each received an intriguing dream. Having no access to the wise men of the land, they expressed their perplexity to a fellow inmate, Joseph exclaiming:  "We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter for  us."  That servant of God encourage them to relate their dreams to him, saying: "Do not interpretations belong to God?" (Genesis 40:8)  Only Jehovah has the ability to unravel propheciers, just as an experienced sailor can untie complicated knots. After all, it was God who made or tied up those prophecies in the first place. Logically, we must look to him for the lossenign of their meaning. Yes, Joseph was right in giving the credit to God.

In what sense, then, do "interpretations belong to God?" There are a number of ways that this proves the case. Some Bible prophecies are recorded along with their fulfillment. These, then, are relatively simple to untie, as are some knots that the sailor freely explains how to undo. - GENESIS 18:14; 21:2.

Other propheces can be explained and unraveled by an examination of the content.  The prophet Daniel had a prophetic vision of 'a ram with two horns."  being decisively struck down by a"hairy he-goat" that had "a conspicious horn between its eyes."  The context shows that the ram with the two horns represented "the kings of Media and Persia" and the goat, "the king of Greece." (Daniel 8:3-8, 20-22) More than 200 years later, "the great horn" -Alexander the Great-began his conquest of Persia.  The Jewish historian Josephus claimed that during  Alexander's military campaignin the vicinity of Jerusalem, he was shown this very prophecy and believed that it referred to him.

Next time: Who Can Interpret Prohecy? - "Interpretations Belong to God"

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Who Can Interpret Prophecy? - The Source of True Prophecy

 Where, then, do true propheciers originate, and who can interpret them?  The apostle Peter wrote:  "No prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation." (2 Peter 1:20) The Greek word for "interpretation"  has the meaning "solution, disclosure," with the idea that  "what is thus released or loosed was before bound."  Thus, the Amplified New Testament renders Peter's words:  "No prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal . . . loosening." 

Pictire a sailor skillfully tying a rope into a complicated knot. What it is complete, the layman can see the strands going into the knot, but he is not sure how to loosen it. Similarly, people can observe current trends leading to a future bound  up with complexity, but they are unsure of how that future will unravel or turn out.

The inspired prophets of old, such as Daniel, did not personally analyze the current trends of their time and tjhen attempt to unravel a complicated future by utterling a prophecy.  If they had tried to force the future to unfold in this way, such prophesying would have origninated in their imagination. It would have been a human prediction, a forecast built upon an imperfect foundation. Instead, Peter went on to explain: "Prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borned along by holy spirit." - 2 PETER 1:21.

Next time: Who  Can Interpret Prophecy? -"Interpretations Belong to God"

From the jw.org publications 

Who Can Interpret Prophecy?

 What Is Prophecy?

Prophecy has been defined as the future revealed, events in time recorded before they occur.  True prophecy is an inspired message, written or spoken,, a revelations of the divine will and purpose. In the Bible are found prophecies regarding the appearance   and identity of the Messiah and "the conclusion of the system of things," as well as judgment messages from God. -MATTHEW 24:3; DANIEL 9:25. 

The "wise men" of today-experts in science, economics, health, politics, environment, and many other fields-attempt to predict the future. Although many of such predictions are highly publicized by the media-and eagerly consumed by the public-they are, at best, educated guessses and personal opinions.  In addition, for every opinion expressed, invariably there are numerous opposing opinions and counterarguments.  The business of predicting the future is risky indeed.

Next time: Who Can Interpret Prophecy? - The Source of True Prophecy

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Who Can Interpret Prophecy?

 Who Can Interpret Prophecy

The Goridan knot was said to b3e the greatest enigma in the days of Alexander the Great. Wise was the person-and great his conquest-who could unravel that complicated knot. Alexander solved the enigma, so the legend goes, by one slash of his sword.

DOWN through the ages, wise men have sought not only until difficult knots but also unravel riddles, interpret prophecies, and even predict the future. 

More often than not, however, those tasks were beyond them. The wise men of Babylon, for example, were unable to interpret the handwriting that mysteriously appeared on the wall of King Belshazzar's palace during a boiterous feast.  Only Daniel-the aging prophet of Jehovah God, who had a reputation  for "the untying of knots" proverd to be the one who could interpret the prophetic message.  (Daniel 5:12) That prophecy, foretelling the doom of the Babylonian Empire, was fulfilled that very night! - DANIEL 5:1, 4-8, 25-30.

Next time: Who Can Interpret Prophecy?

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No More Disasters! -What Must You Do? -Conclusion

 No doubt you, like many others, are attracted to the idea of living in a world with no more devastating disasters.  What, though, do you have to do to be there?  Since "those who do not know God-the true God" and "those who do not obey the good news" will not qualify to live in a disaster free world to come, it is clear tha tone must now learn about God and support his arrangement for rulership of the earth.  God requires that we come to know him and obey the good news/his will of  the Kingdom that he has set up through his Son.

The best way to learn to do this is through a careful study of the Bible.  It contains the instructions for qualifying to live in the secure environment that will exist under Kingdo rulership.  Why not ask  Jehovah's Witnesses to help you learn what the Bible really teaches?  They are at your bidding for that very purpose. One thing for sure-if you make the effort to know the true God, not the traditional one with holidays and obey the good news/Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, the words of Proverbs 1:33 Will come true in your case: "As for the one listening to me, he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity."

Next time: Who Can Intrepret Prophecy?

From the jw.org publications

No More Disasters! -What Must You Do?

 However, as we have seen,many of the problems and disasters are man-made, caused or made worse b y the exploits of selfish and greedy individuals.  What will the Kingdom do about those who persist  in such ways and refusr to change?  The Bible/Jehovah speaks  of the Lord Jesus coming "from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon  those who do not know god and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus." Yes, he will  "bring to ruin all those ruining the earth." - 2 THESSALONIANS 1:7. 8; REVELATION 11:18.

Afterward, this "King of kings," Jesus Christ, will assert full control of earth's elements.  (Revelations 19:16) He will make sure that the subjects of the Kingdom no longer suffer any calamities. He will use his power to regulate the Meteorological elements so that the weather and seasonal cycles will work to the benefit of mankind. The result will be the realization of what Jehovah God long ago promised to his people:  "I shall also certainly give your showers of rain at their proper tie, and the land will indeed give its yield, and the  trees of the field will give its fruit.""  (Leviticus 26:4) People will be ab le  to build houses without the fear of losing them in some calamity:  "They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage." - ISAIAH 65:21.

Next time: No More Disasters! - What Must You Do?

From the jw.org publications

No More Disasters!

 God's Son, Jesus Christ, has been given the power necessary to bring about all the changes needed to make the earth a delightful place.  Two thousand years ago, when Jesus was on earth, he demonstrated on a small scale his ability to control the natural elements. On one occasion, when and his disciples were on a boat on the Sea if Galilee,  "a great violent windstorm broke out, and the waves kept dashing into the boat, so that the boat was close to being swamped."  His disciples panicked. Fearing for their lives, they turned to Jesus. What did Jesus do? He simply "rebuked the wind and said to the sea: 'Hush! Be quiet!'  And the wind abated, and a great calm set in."   His disciples  were amazed and asked: "Who really is this, because even the wind and the sea obey him?" - MARK 4:37-41.

Since then, Jesus has been elevated to the spirit realm and has been given even great power and authority. A sthe King of God's Kingdom, he has the responsibility as well as the ability to administer all the changes necessary to give people a peaceful and secure life on earth.

Next time: No More Disasters! - Conclusion 

From  the jw.org publications

No More Disasters!

 If humans cannot control natural disasters, who can?  The Bible identifies our Creator  as the one to make this change. He is the One who put the earth's ecological  systems, such as the water cycle, in place.  (Ecclesiastes 1:7) And in sharp contrast with humans, God has unlimited power at his disposal.  Testifying to this fact, the prophet Jeremiah said:  "O Sovereign Lord Jehovah!  Here you yourself have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm.  The whole matter is not too wonderful for you yourself." (Jeremiah 32:17)  Since God made the earth and all its elements, logically he knows how to manage things so that people can dwell on it in peace and security. -PSALM 37:11; 115:16. 

How, then, will God bring about the needed change? You will recall that the second of this series of articlers mentioned that many terrifying things taking place on the earth today make up a "sign" marking the conclusion of the system of th ings."  Jesus said:  "When you see these things occurring , know that the Kingdom of God is near." (Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:31) The Kingdom of God, a heavenly government of God's making will bring about big changes on the earth, even bringing natural elements under control. Though Jehovah God has the power to do this himself, he has chosen to delegate the task to his Son. Speaking of this one, the prophet Daniel said: "To him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve eveb him." - DANIEL 7:14.

Next time: No More Disasters! -Continued

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