WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
The Bible says: "A true friend show love at all times and is a brother who is born for time of distress.: - PROVERBS 17:17.
Think of someone who is supportive and can give practical advice, just knowing that someone cares can strengthen your determination to face up to the day's challenges.
Next time: A World in Turmoil -3./Protect Your Relationships
From the jw.org publications
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
. Friendships are essential to your health and stability, especially during difficult times.
. The stress that results from world turmoil can test your family life in unexpected ways.
. Disturbing news reports may affect your children more intensely than you realize.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 3./Protect Your Relationships
From the jw.org publications
WHY IT MATTERS
As anxiety over world turmoil increases, many people unwittingly allow their relationships to suffer.
. People isolate themselves from their friends.
. Spouses become increasing contentious with each other.
. Parents pay little or no attention to the anxieties of their children.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 3./Protect Your Relationships
From the jw.org publications
MAKE A BUDGET
The Bible says: "The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, but all who are hasty surely head for poverty." (Proverbs 21:5) A budget will help you to make sure that your expenses do not exceed your income.
. First, list your expected monthly income.
. Next, itemize your current monthly expenses and carefully examine your spending habits.
. Then compare your income with your expenses, and if necessary, identify what you can reduce or eliminate to stay within your income.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 2./Protect Your Livelihood
From the jw.org publicatios
HOW TO COPE -Helpful Tips
REDUCE EXPENSES
. Delay upgrading or replacing appliances or clothing. Ask yourself: 'Can I do without a vehicle? Can I plant a vegetable garden?'
. Before buying something, ask yourself: 'Do I really need it? Can I afford it?
. Apply for government or humanitarian assistance if it available.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 2./Protect Your Livelihood
From the jw.org publications
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
The Bible says: "Having food and clothing, we will be content with these things." - 1 TIMOTHY 6:8.
Being content involves limiting our wants and being satisfied when our daily needs are met. This is especially important when our livelihood has been affected.
To be content, You may have to adjust your lifestyle. If you live beyond your means, your financial situation will only get worse.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 2./Protect Your Livelihood
From the jw.org publications
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
. The better you manage your money, the better you may be able to cope during a crisis.
. Financial security is not necessarily permanent; income, savings, and assets can lose value.
. There are things that money cannot buy, such as happiness and family unity.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 2./Protect Your Livelihood
From the jw.org publications
WHY IT MATTERS
Many people struggle each day just trying to make ends meet. Sadly, the world turmoil can make that challenge even more difficult. Why?
. Communities in turmoil experience a rise in the cost of living-including food and housing.
. Crises can increase unemployment or decrease wages.
. Disasters can damage or destroy people's business establishments, homes, or other assets, forcing many into poverty.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 2./Protect Your Livelihood
From the jw.org publications
The Bible says: "Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of hard work and chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:6)We need to balance work with sufficient rest.
. Stay physically active. You can start by just taking regular walks. Physical activity can improve your health even if you are older, disabled, or limited by chronic illness.
. Get proper rest. In the short term, insufficient sleep can increase stress and reduce concentration. Over time, it can led to serious health problems.
. Set a realistic time to go to bed, and follow through with it. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
. Avoid watching TV or using electronic devices in bed.
. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Next time: A World in Turmoil - 2. Protect Your Livelihood
From the jw.org publications
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
The Bible says: "No man has ever hated his own body, but feeds and cherishes it." (Ephesians 5:29) We show that we love our body by being careful about what we take in.
. Drink plenty of water.
. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
. Limit your intake of fats, salt, and sugars.
. Do not use tobacco or abuse alcohol or drugs.
Next time: A World in Turmoil-How Can You Cope? -1./Protect Your Health
From the jw.org publications
HOW TO COPE-HELPFUL TIPS
PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE
The Bible says: "The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself." (Proverbs 22:3) Try to anticipate and avoid potential threats to your health.
. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching food or after using the toilet.
. Regularly clean and disinfect your home, particularly surfaces and objects that are touched frequently.
. Whenever possible, avoid close contact with people who have an infectious/contagious disease.
Next time: A World in Turmoil -How Can You Cope?-1./Protect Your Health
From the jw.org publications
WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW
. Serious illness and mental stress can affect your judgment, which can cause you to neglect healthy habits. As a result, you may become even sicker.
. Left untreated, health problems can worsen and even threaten your life.
. The healthier you are, the better prepared you will be to make good decisions in the midst of turmoil.
. Regardless of your economic situation, you can take steps to protect your health.
What You Can Do Now
Whenever possible, a wise person considers potential dangers and takes preventive measures to avoid them. This may be applied to health. Often you can minimize the risk of disease or it severity by practicing good hygiene. Prevention is better than cure.
Next time: A World in Turmoil -How You Can Cope - 1./ Protect Your Health
From the jw.org publications
WHY IT MATTERS
A crisis or a disaster can negatively affect people's health either directly or indirectly.
. Adversities leave people feeling stressed, and prolonged stress can make them more susceptible to illness.
. Crises can strain health-care systems and limit the availability of medical resources.
. Calamities affect people's finances, hindering their ability to pay for essentials such as nutritious food or health care.
Next time: A World in Turmoil -How Can You Cope? - 1./Protect Your Health
From the jw.org publications
Do you feel that the problems common in the world are now, more than ever, affecting you personally? Do you encounter any of the following where you live?
. armed conflicts
. epidemics
. natural disasters
.poverty
. prejudice
. violent crime
When tragedy strikes, many victims experience shock and hopelessness. Some people react to calamities with what has been called emotional flatness. Yet, when facing a tragedy, prolonged shock and emotional paralysis only make things worse.
In the midst of turmoil, you must act decisively to protect your loved ones, your health, your livelihood, and your happiness.
What can you do to minimize the impact that this world's turmoil has on you personally?
Next time: A World in Turmoil-How Can You Cope? -1/Protect Your Health
From the jw.org publications
On the night of Cyrus' surprise attack, Babylonian King Belshazzar was feasting with "a thousand of his grandees" when a hand miraculously appeared before the eyes of all, the hand wrote "MENE, MENE, TEKEL and PARSIN" on the plaster of the palace wall." - DANIEL 5:1, 5, 25.
The prophet Daniel interpreted the riddle to terrified Belshazzar. In belief, Daniel told the king was "finished," that he had been "weighed in the balances" and found wanting, and that Babylon had been "given to the Medes and the Persian." (Daniel 5:26-28) Every word came true. Moreover, to this day in some languages, the saying "the handwriting is on the wall" means that catastrophe, or failure, is imminent.
Next time: A Word in Turmoil-How Can You Cope?
From the jw.org publications
. Cyrus, it is believed, was born about 600 B.C.E. He died in battle in about 530 B.C.E.
. Cyrus' tomb can still be seen in Pasargadae, a city of ancient Persia founded by Cyrus and now an archaeological site in Iran.
. The Cyrus Cylinder, a nine-inch-long (23cm) clay document, commemorates Cyrus conquest of Babylon and the liberation of the exiles, including Jews. The cylinder has been called "one of the most important discoveries in Biblical archaeology."
. The Persian people still hold Cyrus in high esteem.
Next time: PORTRAITS OF THE PAST/Cyrus the Great - "THE HANDWRITING IS ON THE WALL"
From the jw.org publications
Consider this: The Bible foretold )1) the 70-year exile of the Jews, (2) Cyrus' conquest of Babylon and key aspects of his strategy, and (3) the ultimate desolation of Babylon. Such advance knowledge could not come from mere men! A more reasonable conclusion is this: "Prophecy was no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God." (2 Peter 1:21) Surely, the Bible merits our consideration.
Next time: PORTRAITS OF THE PAST/ Cyrus the Great - QUICK FACTS
From the jw.org publications
Earlier, in 607 B.C.E., Babylonian armies razed Jerusalem and led most the survivors into exile. How long would the Jews be held? God said; "When seventy years have fulfilled I shall call to account against the king of Babylon and against that nation . . . and I will make it desolate wastes to time indefinite." - JEREMIAH 25:12.
As mentioned, Cyrus captured Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Soon thereafter, he released the Jews who began to arrive in their homeland in 537 B.C.E. -exactly 70 years after their deportation. (Ezra 1:1-4) As for Babylon, it eventually became "desolate wastes" - again confirming the accuracy of Bible prophecy.
Next time: PORTRAITS OF THE PAST/Cyrus the Great - WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
From the jw.org publications
The prophecies of Isaiah are especially noteworthy because they were recorded about 200 years in advance-perhaps 150 years before Cyrus was even born! Consider the following:
. A man named Cyrus would conquer Babylon and free the Jews. -ISAIAH 44:28; 45:1.
. The Euphrates River would dry up, opening the way for Cyrus's army. - ISAIAH 44:27.
. The city gates would be left open. - ISAIAH 45:1.
. Babylon's military would 'cease to fight.' - JEREMIAH 51:30; ISAIAH 13:1, 7.
Next time: PORTRAITS OF THE PAST/Cyrus the Great - A MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE
From the jw.org publications
According to our modern calendar, on the night of October 5/6, 539 B.C.E., the seemingly impossible happened to that city of Babylon, capital of the Babylonian Empire. On that fateful night, the city was overthrown by an army of Medes and Persians, commanded by Persian King Cyrus, also known as Cyrus the Great. His strategy was brilliant.
HOW CYRUS CAPTURED BABYLON
"When Cyrus set his sights on Babylon it was already the most venerable of Middle Eastern cities-perhaps of all cities in the world," states the book Ancient World Leaders-Cyrus the Great. Babylon sat on the Euphrates River, which also filled moats surrounding the city's massive walls-a combination of defenses that made the city seem impregnable.
Upstream from Babylon, Cyrus' men diverted the Euphrates, causing the water level in the city to fall. The soldiers waded into the river to the city gates, which had been left open, and took Babylon with little resistance. According to Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon, the Babylonians felt so secure behind the city's defenses that on the night of the attack, many were feasting, including the king! (See the box "The Handwriting on the Wall.") Moreover, Cyrus's conquest fulfilled some amazing Bible prophecies.
Next time: PORTRAITS OF THE PAST/Cyrus the Great - AMAZING PREDICTIONS
From the jw.org publications
If you imitate Jehovah's loving, reasonable, and consistent discipline, you can be certain that your efforts will benefit your children. Your loving direction may help your children to develop into mature, responsible, and balanced adults. As the Bible says: "Train a boy in the way he should go, even when he grows old he will not depart from it." - PROVERBS 22:6.
Bible-Based Discipline is . . .
1. Loving: Effective discipline is founded on love, not anger. When faced with a particularly difficult situation, postpone discipline until you are calm.
2. Reasonable: Endeavor to take into account all the circumstances, including the child's limitation and abilities.
3. Consistent: If you have warned your child that a certain form of discipline will result if he misbehaves, be sure to follow through.
Next time: PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST/Cyrus the Great
From the jw.org publications
"I am Jehovah; I do not change," says Malachi 3:6. Servants of God rely on this truth and feel secure in this knowledge. Children also need the security of consistent discipline. If your standards change depending on your mood, your child may become confused and frustrated.
Recall that Jesus said: "Let your word "Yes," mean yes, your 'No,' no." Those words well apply to parenting. (Matthew 5:37) Think carefully before giving ultimatums you have no intention of carrying out. If you warn your child that a certain form of discipline will result if he misbehaves, be sure to follow through.
Good parental communication is essential to consistent discipline. Robert explains: "If our children manage to get me to agree to something that my wife told them they could not do, when I become aware of it, I reverse my decision to back up my wife." If parents disagree about how to handle a situation, it is best that they discuss those differences privately and reach a united decision.
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? - DISCIPLINE IS ESSENTIAL
From the jw.org publications
Reasonable parents are also mindful that children are not miniature adults. The Christian apostle Paul acknowledged that fact when he wrote: "When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, to think as a child." (1 Corinthians 13:11) "Says Robert: "One thing that helps me keep things in perspective and avoid overreacting is to remind myself of what I used to do when I was a boy."
It is vital that you be realistic in your expectations and, at the same time, not justify or condone wrong conduct or attitudes. By taking into account your child's abilities, limitations, and other circumstances, you will ensure that your discipline is balanced and reasonable.
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? - CONSISTENT DISCIPLINE
From the jw.org publications
Jehovah's discipline is always administered "to the proper degree." (Jeremiah 30:11; 46:28) He takes all the circumstances into account, including what is not obvious. How can parents do likewise? Stephen, quoted in the introduction, explains: "Although we felt so hurt and could not understand Natalie's insistent denials about the ring, we tried to take into account her age and degree of maturity.
Nicole's husband, Robert, also tries to consider all the circumstances. When the children misbehave, he repeatedly asks himself; 'Is this onetime incident or an ongoing negative trait? Is the child tired or not feeling well? Is this conduct a symptom of another problem?'
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? -REASONABLE DISCIPLINE- Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
I was outraged when I saw the senseless hurt my son had inflicted on his sister. Instead of reacting immediately, I sent him to his room because I was just too angry to make a rational decision. Later, when I was composed, I sternly explained that violence is not acceptable and showed him how he had hurt his sister. This approached worked well with him. He apologized to his sister and hugged her." - Nichole.
Yes, proper discipline, even when it includes punishment, is always motivated by love.
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? - REASONABLE DISCIPLINE
From the jw.org publications
On the other hand, when you discipline with love and self-control, you are likely to get better results. Consider how George and Nicole, two of the parents quoted at the outset, handled matters.
"When Jordan finally arrived, my wife and I were burning inside, but we maintained control while we listened to his explanation. Since it was so late, we decided to discuss the matter in the morning. We all prayed together and went to bed. The next day, we were in a much better position to discus the situation calmly and reach our son's heart. He willingly complied with our restrictions and accepted responsibility for his behavior. Thankfully, we realized that a quick response when people are upset is counterproductive. When our first step was to listen, things usually worked out for the best." - GEORGE.
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? - LOVING DISCIPLINE - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
Love is both the foundation and the motivation for God's discipline. The Bible says: "Those whom Jehovah loves he reproves, just as a father does a son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:12) Furthermore, Jehovah, is "merciful and compassionate, slow to anger." (Exodus34:6) For this reason, Jehovah is never abusive or cruel. Neither does he resort to harsh words, constant criticism, or hurtful sarcasm, all of which can injure "like the stabs of a sword." - PROVERBS 12:18.
Granted, it is not possible for parents to imitate fully God's perfect example of self-control. Sometimes your patience will be stretched to the limit, but during the particularly different times, always remember that anger-based punishment is usually oppressive, excessive, and counterproductive. Furthermore, punishment is motivated by anger or frustration is not discipline at all. It is simply a loss of self-control.
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? - LOVING DISCIPLINE -Continue
From the jw.org publications
In the Bible, the word for "discipline" is not merely another word for punishment. Discipline primarily relates to instruction, education, and correction. It is never connected with abuse or cruelty. - PROVERBS 4:1, 2.
Parental discipline is likened to gardening. A gardener prepares the soil, waters, and feeds the plant, and provides protection from pests and weeds. As the plant grows, the gardener may need to prune the plant in order to help it keep growing in the right direction. The gardener recognizes that a careful combination of various techniques will help him to produce a healthy plant. Similarly, parents care for their children in many ways. But at times, they need to give discipline-which, like pruning, may correct wrong inclinations early on and help their children to grow in the right direction. Pruning, however. must be done carefully, or a plant can suffer permanent harm. Likewise, parental discipline needs to be given with loving care.
The God of the Bible, Jehovah sets a beautiful example for parents in this regard. The discipline that he gives obedient earthly worshippers is so effective and desirable that they actually come to 'love discipline.' (Proverbs 12:1) They "hold on to discipline" and "do not let it go." (Proverbs 4:13) You can help your children to respond positively by imitating closely three key elements of God's discipline: It is (1) loving, (2) reasonable, and (3) consistent.
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? - LOVING DISCIPLINE
From the jw.org publications
"I listened impatiently to the sound of every passing car. This was the third time that Jordan had broken his curfew. 'Where is he?' I wondered. 'Is he in trouble? Does he even care that we are worried? By the time that he arrived, I was about to explode." - GEORGE.
"My daughter let a scream, which sent a wave of panic through me. I turned and saw her clutching her head and crying. Her four-year-old brother had just hit her." - NICOLE.
"I didn't steal the ring, I found it!' said Natalie, our six-year-old daughter , her blue eyes pleading her innocence. Her persistent denials cut us so deeply that we wept. We knew she was lying." - Stephen.
IF YOU are a parent, can you relate to the emotions expressed in the opening statements? When confronted with similar situations, do you wonder how-or even if-you should discipline your child? Is it wrong to discipline your children?
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children? - WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?
From the jw.org publications
Regarding the way a blind person experiences the world, one author states: "He or she receives information in bits and pieces, from several sources (touch, smell, hearing, and so forth), and somehow has to put that information together into a whole." Similarly, as you observe God's works, read what Jesus said about his Father, and analyze the way Jesus reflected God's qualities, a beautiful picture of Jehovah will emerge. He will become more real to you.
Job who lived in ancient times, had that very experience. At first he spoke "without understanding." (Job42:3) But after carefully considering God's marvels of creation, Job was moved to say: "My ears have heard about you, but now I see you with my eyes." - JOB 42:5.
The same can be true for you. "If you search for [Jehovah], he will let himself be found by you." (1 Chronicles 28:9) Jehovah's Witnesses will be glad to help you search for and find the invisible God.
Next time: How Should You Discipline Your Children?
From the jw.org publications
People who are blind often grasp concepts in ways that are different from those of people with sight. A blind person may perceive a shadow, not as a dark area without sunlight, but as a cool area shaded from the sun's warmth. Just as person who is totally blind cannot see shadow or sunlight, we can not understand Jehovah on our own. Therefore, Jehovah provided a human who perfectly mirrored His qualities and personality.
That person was Jesus. (Philippians 2:7) Jesus not only talked about his Father but also showed us what God is like. Jesus' disciple Philip asked: "Lord, show us the Father." In reply, Jesus said" Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also." (John 14:8, 9) What can you "see" about the Father through Jesus's actions?
Jesus was warm, humble, and approachable. (Matthew 11:28-30) His refreshing personality drew people to him. Jesus felt the pain others felt, and he shared their joys. (Luke 10:17, 21; John 11:32-35) As you read or hear the Bible accounts about Jesus, engage your senses and make the events come alive in your mind. If you meditate on the way Jesus dealt with people, you will able to see God's wonderful personality more clearly and be drawn to Him.
Next time: Can You See the Invisible God? - FITTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
From the jw.org publications
A mother of two visually impaired children says: "Speech is one of the most important aspects of their learning. Tell them everything you see and hear, [and] be prepared to give a running commentary. You are their eyes." Likewise, although "no man had seen God at any time," God's Son, Jesus, "who is at the Father's side is the one who has explained Him." (John 1:18) As God's first creation and only-begotten Son, Jesus became our "eyes" for peering into the heavens. He is the best source of information about the invisible God.
Note a few of the things that Jesus, who spent aeons with his Father, explained about God:
. God works tirelessly: "My Father has kept working until now." - JOHN 5:17.
. God knows our needs: "Your Father knows what you need even before you ask him." - MATTHEW 6:8.
. God graciously provides for us: "Your Father who is in the heavens . . . makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous." - MATTHEW 5:45.
. God values us individually: "Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet, not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's knowledge. But even the hairs of your head are all . numbered. So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows." - MATTHEW 10:29-31.
Next time: Can You See the Invisible God? -A HUMAN WHO REFLECTED THE INVISIBLE GOD
From the jw.org publications
A blind person often has heightened senses of hearing and touch, which he employs to perceive things he cannot see. Similarly, you can use your physical senses to examine the world around you and to perceive the unseen God who created it. "His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world's creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made." - ROMANS 1:20.
For example./ think about our home. Earth is uniquely designed for us not merely to eke out an existence but enjoy life. When we feel a gentle breeze, bask in the warmth of the sun, taste a succulent fruit, or hear the soothing song of birds, we are delighted. Do these gifts not reveal our Creator's thoughtfulness, tenderness, and generosity?
What can you learn about God from what you see in the physical universe? For one thing, the heavens reveal God's power. Recent scientific evidence suggest not only that the universe is expanding but also that it is doing so at an even faster rate! As you look up at the night sky, consider: What is the source of this energy driving the expansion and acceleration of the universe? The Bible tells us that the Creator has "vast dynamic energy." (Isaiah 40:26) God's creation shows us that he is "the Almighty"-the One "great in power." - JOB 37:23.
Next time: Can You See the Invisible God? - "THE ONE WHO HAS EXPLAINED HIM"
From the jw.org publications
"GOD Is a Spirit," invisible to human eyes. (John 4:24) Yet, the Bible reports that some people have, in a sense seen God. (Hebrews 11:27) How it that possible? Can you really see "the invisible God"? - COLOSSIANS 1:15.
Compare our situation to that of a person who is blind from birth. Does his blindness completely prevent him from understanding the world around him? Not entirely, a blind person receives information in various ways that enable him to perceive the people, objects, and activities that surround him. "Vision isn't in the eyes," said one blind man. "Its in the mind."
In similar way, although you cannot use your physical eyes to see God, you can use "the eyes of your heart" to see him. (Ephesians 1:18) Consider three ways that you might do so.
Next time: Can You See the Invisible God? - "CLEARLY SEEN FROM THE WORLD'S CREATION"
From the jw.org publications
SECOND DAY
The earth is covered with water and a dense mantle of vapor. These two elements are separated, creating a gap between the watery surface and the canopy of vapor. The Bible describes the is space as "an expanse between the waters," and calls it "Heaven." -GENESIS 1:6-8.
THIRD DAY
Surface water subsides and dry ground appears. The atmosphere clears up to allow more sunlight to reach the ground. Some vegetation appears, with new species sprouting through the third and subsequent days. - GENESIS 1:9-13.
FOURTH DAY
The sun and moon become discernible from the earth's surface. - GENESIS 1:14-19.
FIFTH DAY
God creates underwater creatures and flying creatures in great numbers with the ability to procreate within their kinds. - GENESIS 1:20-23.
SIXTH DAY
Land animal are created, both large and small. The sixth day culminates with a masterpiece of God's physical creation: the first human couple. - GENESIS 1:24-31.
Next time: Can You See the Invisible God?
From the jw.org publications
The BEGINNING
The material heavens are earth are created. - GENESIS 1:1.
DARKNESS
The earth is formless, desolate, and dark. - GENESIS 1:2.
FIRST DAY
Diffused light evidently penetrates the earth's atmosphere. IF there had been any observer on the surface of the earth, the sources of light would have been imperceptible to him. Yet, the difference between night and day became discernible. - GENESIS 1:3-5.
Next time: The Untold Story of Creation -A CREATOR PERCEIVED IN CREATION
From the jw.org publications
. According to the Bible, Jehovah God created all the basic kinds of plant and animal life, as well as the perfect man and women who were capable of self-awareness, love, wisdom, and justice.
. The kinds of animals and plants created by God have obviously undergone changes and have produce variations within the kinds. In many cases, the resulting life-forms are remarkably different from one another.
. The Bible account of creation does not conflict with the scientific observation that variations occur within a kind.
Next time: The Untold Story of Creation - A CREATOR PERCEIVED IN CREATION
From the jw.org publications
Many who do not believe in the Bible embrace the theory that living things emerged from lifeless chemicals through unknown mindless processes. Supposedly at some point a bacteria-like self-replicating organism arose, gradually branching out into all the species that exist today. This would imply that ultimately the mind-boggling complex human actually evolved from bacteria.
Note: Seriously! Talk about mindless! This theory is the most mindless, ridiculous bunch of garbage! That bacteria these people are speaking of could be a disease which would wipe out anything that any life of any kind could evolve from. This theory is mindless in itself.
The theory of evolution is also embraced by many who claim to accept the Bible as the word of God. They believe that God produced the first burst of life on earth but them simply monitored, and perhaps steered the process of evolution. That, however, is not what the Bible says.
Note: Talk about horrendous insults to God. I pity those people. Get thee away from me, Satan! God forgive them for they know not what they do!
Next time: The Untold Story of Creation - DID GOD USE EVOLUTION? - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
Ne
. In the Bible account, each of the six creative days could have lasted for thousands of years.
. God had already created the universe, including a lifeless plane, Earth, by the time the first creative day began.
. Evidently the six creative days were long periods during which Jehovah God prepared the earth for human habitation.
. The Bible account of creation does not conflict with scientific conclusions about the age of the universe.
Next time: The Untold Story of Creation - DID GOD USE EVOLTUTION?
From the jw.org publications
The Bible states that God created "the heavens and the earth." This broad statement, however, makes no reference to the length of time involved in creating the universe or the methods he used to shape it. (Note: the Bible said that God created it in 6 days and rested on the seventh, but of course, his view of time is not ours.) What about the widespread creationists that God created the universe in six literal 24- hour days? This concept, widely rejected by scientists, is based on gross misunderstanding of the Bible account. Consider what the Bible says.
. The Bible does not support fundamentalist and creationists who claim that the creative days were 24-hour days.
. The Bible frequently uses the term "day" to designate various periods of time. In some cased these periods are of a unspecified length. The account of creation found in the Bible book of Genesis is one example of this.
Next time: The Untold Story of Creation - HOW LONG DID GOD TAKE TO CREATE THE UNIVERSE? -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
THE UNTOLD CREATOR
The Bible account of creation hinges on the fact that there is a Supreme Being, Almighty God, who created all things. Who is he, and what is his nature? The Bible reveals that he is quite different from the deities found in popular culture and mainstream religion. He is the Creator of all things, but most people know very little about him.
. God is a person, an individual. He is not a vague force devoid of personality, floating aimlessly throughout the universe. He has thoughts, feelings, and goals.
. God has infinite power and wisdom. This explains the complex design found everywhere in creation, especially in living things.
. God created all physical matter. Hence, he cannot be made of physical elements that he himself has created. Rather, he is of a spiritual, or nonphysical, nature.
. God's existence is not limited by time, he has always existed and will always exist. Hence, no one created him.
. God has a personal name, which is thousands of times in the Bible. That name is Jehovah.
. Jehovah God loves and cares for humans.
Next time: The Untold Story of Creation - HOW LONG DID GOD TAKE TO CREATE THE UNIVERSE?
From the jw.org publications
BILLIONS of people have read or heard what the Bible says about the beginning of the universe. The 3,500-year-old account starts with the well-known statement: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."]
Many people, however, are unaware of the fact that Christendom leaders, including so-called creationists and fundamentalists, have spun the Bible account of creation into numerous tales that deviate from what the Bible really says. These interpretations fly in the face of scientific fact. Even though those tales are not found in the Bible, they have caused some people to dismiss the Bible account as mythical allegory.
Note: It is a simple fact, If people want to know the real truth instead of trusting so-called ignorant people who go by what Satan says/people who think it is their own thoughts, they just need to read the Bible. Why listen and believe the rubbish that goes around. READ THE COTTON-PICKING BIBLE!! For crying out loud, that is what I did. Read the King James Version and New World Translations of the Holy Scriptures. What is in King James is the other, but uses different words that mean the same things as King James and it just make it more simple to understand.
The real Bible story of creation has gone largely unnoticed. This is shame, for the Bible actually presents a very logical and credible explanation of the beginning of the universe. What is more, that explanation harmonizes with scientific discovery. Yes, you might be pleasantly surprised by the Bible's untold story of creation!
Next time: The Untold Story of Creation - The Uncreated Creator
From the jw.org publications
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