AVAILABLE TO ALL

 For you to understand a book, it must be in a language that you know. Today it is likely that the Bible is available in a language you can understand, no matter where you live or what your nationality is.  Consider what is involved in making that amazing feat possible. 

Translation. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.  That naturally limited the scope of its readership. In order to make the text available in other languages, tireless efforts have been made by sincere translators.  Thanks to their labors, the Bible is now translated, in whole or in part, into about 2,700 languages. This means that over 90 percent of mankind can read at least some part of the Bible in their mother tongue. 

Publishing.  The original text of the Bible was written on perishable materials, such a leather and papyrus.  To pass the message, those writings had to be carefully copied and recopied by hand. Such copies were expensive, and few people could afford them. But with the invention of Gutenberg's printing press over 550 years ago, circulation of the Bible greatly accelerated.  According to one estimate, more than five billion copies of the Bible, in whole or part, have been distributed.  No other religious text can compare with the Bible in these respects. Clearly, the Bible is book to be understood. However, understanding it can be challenging. But help is available. Where can you find it? And how can you benefit? Find out in the following article.

Next time: Facts About the Bible

From the jw.org publications

WRITTEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD

 The Bible gives practical counsel to help us to solve everyday problems.  That counsel is easy to understand. This is so in two aspects.

First, the Bible's language is clear, direct, and appealing.  Rather than using many expressions that are abstract or mystical, the Bible text uses words that are concrete or that relate to our senses. Difficult ideas are expressed by words that are common to our daily experience.

For example, Jesus used many simple illustrations based on people's daily experience in order to teach lessons that touch the heart.  Many of these are found in what is commonly called the Sermon on the Mount, which is recorded in chapters 5 and& of the Bible book of Matthew.  Calling it "a practical discourse," one commentator observed that its aim is "not to fill our heads with ideas, but to guide and regulate our practice," You can read those chapters in perhaps 25 to 20 minutes, and you will be amazed to find how simple yet powerful Jesus' words are.

Another factor that makes the Bible easy to  understand is its subject matter. It is not a book of mythology or fables.  Rather, for the most part, it is, as the World Book Encyclopedia puts it, "about both great and ordinary people" and their "struggles, hopes, failures, and triumphs."  It is easy for us to relate to these accounts of real people and real events and to understand the vital lessons contained in therein. - ROMANS 15:4.

Next time: AVAILABLE TO ALL 

From the jw.org publications

YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

 A Book to Be Understood

By all measures, the Bible is a very old book.  How old is it?  The writing of the Bible began in the Middle East some 3,500 years ago. By comparison, that was during the time of the mighty Shang dynasty of China about ten centuries before Buddhism started in India. - See the box "Facts About the Bible." 

If a book is to be a helpful and beneficial guide to people, it must be understandable and relevant to them. The Bible is just such a book. It offers satisfying answers to life's most important questions.

                                                                                                   For example, have you ever wondered, 'Why are we here?' That question has baffled man for thousands of years, and it still does. Yet, the answer can be found in the first two chapter of the first book of the Bible, Genesis.  There the Bible account reaches back "to the beginning-billions of years ago-when our physical universe, including the galaxies, the stars, and the earth came into existence. (Genesis 1:1) Then it describes, in progressive stages, how the earth came to be inhabitable, how various life forms came into existence, and how humans appeared on the scene-as well as the purpose of it all.

Next time: WRITTEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD 

From the jw.org publications

Help for the family

 . How to stop arguing

. Raising responsible children

. Inculcating moral values

(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > COUPLES & PARENTS

Advice for teenagers

. How to deal with sexual harassment

. What to do when bullied

. How to deal with loneliness

(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > TEENAGERS)

Next time: YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE/A Book to Be Understood

From the jw.org publications

Help on the Web

 Would you like to take a self-guided tour of the Bible?  To get started, go to the jw.org website.  The site offers free information on the Bible in over 700 languages. You may enjoy learning about the following topics.

Questions people often ask

.  What is the meaning of life?

. Why do people die?

. What happens when you die?

Personal issues

. What you can do when you are depressed

. Dealing with a chronic illness

. Money problems and debt

(Look under Bible teachings >BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Next time: Help for the family

From the jw.org publications

Finding Help to Understand the Bible

HELP AVAILABLE TODAY

Like the teachers and instructors of the Bible in the past, Jehovah's Witnesses today are engaged in a Bible educational work in 239 lands worldwide.  (Matthew 28:19, 20) Week by week, they help well over nine million individuals to undertand the Bible.  Many of those who learned have come from non-Christian backgrounds.  These study sessions are free and can be held at one's home or another convenient location. Some people even enjoy their sessions by phone or using a computer or mobile device. 

Please contact any one of Jehovah's Witnesses for details on how you can benefit from this arrangement. You will discover that, from being a closed book, the Bible is " beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness," so that you "may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." - 2 TIMOTHY 3:16, 17. 

Next time: Help on the Web -Continue

From the jw.org publications

Finding Help to Understand the Bible

 HELP IN THE PAST

From the time the sacred writings were first penned in the 16th century B.C.E., help has been provided for people to understand the text.  For instance, Moses, the first leader of the nation of Israel, "undertook to explain" what was written. - Deuteronomy 1:5. 

Qualified instructors of the Scriptures were still on hand some ten centuries later. In 455 B.C.E., a large group of Jews, including many children, were gathered together in a public square in the city of Jerusalem.  Bible instructors were there "reading from the [same sacred] book." But they did more."  They helped the people to understand what was being read. - Nehemiah 8:1-8. 

Five centuries later, Jesus Christ was involved in a similar educational work.  In fact, he was primarily known as a teacher. (John 13:13) He taught large crowds, as well as individuals.  On one occasion, he spoke to a great multitude, giving the famous Sermon on the Mount, and the "crowds were astounded at his way of teaching."  (Matthew 5:1, 2; 7:28) In the spring of 33 C.E., Jesus spoke to two of his disciples while they were walking along the road toward the village near Jerusalem, "fully opening up ["clearly explaining," footnote] the Scriptures" to them." -LUKE 24:13-15, 27, 32. 

Disciples of Jesus were also instructors of God's Word. On one occasion, an official from Ethiopia was reading a certain passage of the Scriptures. A disciple named Philip approached him and asked: "Do you actually know what you are reading?" The Ethiopian replied: Really, how I ever do so unless someone guided me?" Philip then explained the meaning of the passage to him. -ACTS 8:27-35.

Next time: Help Available Today - Continue

From the jw.org publications

YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE/Finding Help to Understand the BIble

 Imagin visiting a foreign land for the first time. You encounter people, customs, foods, and currency that are all unfamiliar to  you. Understandably, you may feel frustrated. 

You may feel the same way when you first read the Bible, you are stepping back into an ancient world that seems foreign to you. There you meet people called Philistines, come across unusual customs, such as 'ripping garments apart,' or learn about a food called manna and a coin known as a drachma.  (Exodus 16:31; Joshua 13:2; 2 Samuel 3:31; Luke 15:9) All of this could be confusing. As in the case of visiting a foreign land, would not appreciate getting help from someone who could explains things to you? 

Next time: Finding Help to Understand the Bible - HELP IN THE PAST

From the jw.org publications

What Are the Keys? - Continue

 4. Study by topic. A topical study, in which you analyze what the Bible says about a particular topic or subject, is an effective way to learn what the Scriptures teach.  Start with "the beginning lessons," as it were, and then "go forward to more mature (advanced) teaching." (Hebrews 6:1, 2, Easy-to-Read Version) You'll find that you can compare scripture with scripture and learn the various parts of the Bible explain each other, even the parts that are "hard to understand." - 2 PETER 3:16. 

5. Get help from others.  The Bible encourages us to accept help from others who understand the Bible. (Acts 8:30, 31) Jehovah's Witnesses offer a free Bible study program. Like the early Christians, they use Scriptural references to help others discern what the Bible really teaches. - ACTS 17:2, 3. 

Things you don't need. 

1. High intellect or education.  Jesus' 12 apostles understood the Scriptures and taught them to others, even though the apostles were considered by some to be "unlettered and ordinary." - ACTS 4:13. 

2. Money. You can learn what the Bible teaches without cost. Jesus told his disciples: "You receive free, give free." - MATTHEW 10:8. 

Next time: YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE/ Finding Help to Understand the Bible

From the jw.org publications 

Understanding the Bible-What Are the Keys?

 The Bible's answer

The Bible itself provides many of the keys to understanding it. Regardless of your background, God's message in the Bible "is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away." - DEUTERONOMY 30:11.

Keys to understanding the Bible

1. Have the right attitude. Accept the Bible as God's Word. Be humble, since God opposes the proud. (1 Thessalonians 2:13; James 4:6) However, avoid blind faith-God warns  you to use your power of reason." - ROMANS 12:1, 2. 

2. Pray for wisdom. "Do not lean upon your own understanding," The Bible says at Proverbs 3:5. Instead, "keep on asking God" for wisdom in understanding the Bible. - JAMES 1:5. 

3. Be Consistent. You will benefit much more from Bible study if you do it regularly rather than sporadically. - JOSHUA 1:8.

Next time: Keys to  Understanding the Bible/ Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Poison of Government Corruption

 . AFRICA: In 2013, some 22,000 public officials in South Africa were charged with misconduct for corrupt activities.

. AMERICAS: In 2012, in Brazil, 25 people were convicted of using public funds to buy political support. Among those convicted was the former president's chief of staff, the second most powerful man in the country.

. ASIA: In Seoul, South Korea, 502 people died in a department-store collapse in 1995. Investigators found that city officials had been bribed to allow contractors to use standard concrete and to violate safety rules.

. EUROPE: "The extent of the problem [corruption in Europe] is breathtaking," according to European Commission Home Affairs Commissioner Ceclia Malmstrom.  She added that "the political commitment to really root out corruption seems to be missing." 

Government corruption has deep roots. Professor Susan Rose-Ackerman, and expert on the subject of anticorruption. wrote that reform would require fundamental changes in the way government does business."  While the situation might seem to be hopeless, the Bible shows that even greater changes are not only possible but also certain to happen.

Next time: Understanding the Bible - What Are the Keys? - The Bible's Answer

From the jw.org publications 

 

A GOVERNMENT FREE OF CORRUPTION

 The Poison of Government Corruption

Government corruption has been defined as the abuse of political power for private gain.  Such abuse has a long history. For example, the Bible includes a law prohibiting bribery in judicial cases, showing that the practice was already well-known over 3,500 years ago. (Exodus 23:8) Of course, corruption involves more than just accepting bribes. Corrupt public officials sometimes appropriate goods, take advantage of services to which they are not entitle, or even steal funds outright.  They may also use their position to favor their friends and relatives unfairly. 

While corruption can exist in any human organization, it seems that corruption in government is the worst.  The 2013 Global Corruption Barometer, published by Transparency International, reported that people worldwide have the perception that the five most corrupt institutions are political parties, the police, public officials, the legislature, and judiciary.  Consider just some reports that highlight the problem. 

Next time: The Poison of Government Corruption -Continue

From the jw.org publications

IS THE END NEAR?/Many Will Survive the End - You Can Too

 The Bible informs us that the end will involve destruction: "There will be great tribulation such has not occurred since the world's beginning until now . . . In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved." (Matthew 24:21, 22) But God promises that many humans will survive: "The world is passing away . . .but the one who does the will of God remains forever." - 1 JOHN 2:17.

If you want to survive the passing of this world and 'remain forever," what should you do?  Should you start stockpiling supplies or making other physical preparations? No. The Bible strongly urges us to set different priorities. We read: "Since all these things are be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as you wait and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." (2 Peter 3:10-12) The context shows that "all these things" that are to be dissolved include ruling elements of this corrupt world and all those who choose such rulership rather than God's.  Clearly, if we were to stockpile material goods, that would not save us from such a destruction.

Really, our survival involves being devoted to Jehovah God and learning about the kind of conduct that pleases him. (Zephaniah 2:3) Rather than following the majority today and ignoring the clear signals that are living in such important times, we need to "keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." Jehovah's Witnesses can show you from the Bible how you can be a survivor of this upcoming day.

Nex time: A GOVERNMENT FREE OF CORRUPTION/The Poison of Government Corruption

From the jw.org publications

 

HOW TO BECOME A SUBJECT OF THE KINGDOM

 Regardless of you nationality, you have the opportunity to become a subject of God's Kingdom.  (Acts 10:34, 35) The program of education offered by the Kingdom-which is available around the world right now-will show you how. Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to demonstrate their free home Bible study arrangement, which can take as little as ten minutes a week.  Among other things, you can learn more about "the good news of the Kingdom of God," including how it will eliminate government corruption.  (Luke 4:43) We invite you to contact the Witnesses in your area or visit our web site, jw.org.

Next time:  IS THE END NEAR?/ Many Will Survive the End-You Can Too

From the jw.org publications

A Government With No Corruption

 SUBJECTS

THE PROBLEM: Even in the beset environment and with the finest education in morals, some people will choose to be dishonest and corrupt.  Experts admit that this is why human governments cannot eliminate corruption.  The most tat can be hoped for is that the scope and destructive effects of corruption can be limited.

THE SOLUTION: The United Nations Convention Against  Corruption states that to fight corruption, governments should promote  "integrity, honesty and responsibility."  While this a noble goal, God's Kingdom does more than just promote these qualities-it requires them of its subjects.  The Bible says that "greedy people" and "liars" will not qualify to inherit the Kingdom.  - 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11; REVELATION 21:8. 

People can learn to adhere to these high moral standards, as the early Christians proved.  For example, when a disciple named Simon tried to buy a spiritual favor from the apostles, they refused the bribe and told him: "Repent of this badness of yours."  Once Simon saw the danger of this wrong desire, he asked the apostle to pray in his behalf so that he could overcome it. - ACTS 8:18-24. 

Next time: HOW TO BECOME A SUBJECT OF THE KINGDODM

From the jw.org publications

A Government With No Corruption

 MOTIVES

THE PROBLEM: The driving forces behind corruption are greed and self-interest.  Government officials and citizens often display those negative qualities.  In the department store collapse in Seoul mentioned in the preceding article, government officials accepted bribes from contractors who knew that paying a bribe would be less costly than using proper building materials and construction practices.

To eliminate corruption, then, people must be taught how to overcome entrenched motives such as greed and selfishness.  However, human governments lack both the will and the ability to implement this type of educational program.

THE SOLUTION: God's Kingdom deals with corruption as its roots by teaching people how to overcome the wrong motives that cause it.  This education helps them "to be made new in [their] dominant mental attitude." (Ephesians 4:23) They learn to replace greed and selfishness with contentment and interest in others. - PHILIPPIANS 2:4; 1 TIMOTHY 6:6.

Next time: A Government With No Corruption - SUBJECTS

From the jw.org publications

A Government With No Corruption

 LAWS

THE PROBLEM: At first, you might think that enacting new laws could improve matters.  However, experts have found that in many cases, increasing the number of laws just provides more opportunities for corruption.  Additionally, the legislation specifically intended to reduce corruption often costs much to implement yet accomplishes little.

THE SOLUTION: The laws of the Kingdom of God are vastly superior to those of human governments.  For example, rather than itemizing an expensive list of do and don'ts, Jesus gave what   is often called the Golden Rule.  He stated: "all things that you want men to do to you, you also do to them." (Matthew 7:12) Perhaps more significantly, the laws of the Kingdom focus on both motives and actions.  "You must love your neighbor as you love yourself," said Jesus, "(Matthew 22:39) Of course, God who can read the heart, could actually enforce such commands. - 1 SAMUEL 16:7.

Next time: A Government With No Corruption - MOTIVES

From the jw.org publications

A Government With No Corruption

 STABILITY

THE PROBLEM: Many countries hold elections regularly, which in theory allow people to vote corrupt officials out of office. The reality, though, is that campaigns and elections are prone to corruption, even in so-called developed countries. By means of campaign contributions and other actions, the rich can unduly influence current and future officeholders.

Justice Paul Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court wrote that such influence threatens "not only the legitimacy and quality of Government but also the public's faith therein."  It is little wonder, then, that many people worldwide have the perception that political parties are the most corrupt of all institutions. 

THE SOLUTION: God's Kingdom removes the possibility of campaign or electoral fraud by being a stable, permanent rulership.  (Daniel 7:13, 14) Since its Ruler is chosen by God, the Kingdom is neither validated by elections nor subject to overthrow.  Its stability helps to ensure that the actions it takes are always in the best long-term interests of its people.

Next time: A Government With No Corruption - LAWS

From the jw.org publications

A Government With No Corruption

 RULER

THE PROBLEM: The effort to eliminate corruption "must start at the top," observes Susan Rose-Ackerman, quoted in the preceding article.  Governments lose credibility when they try to eradicate corruption among police or customs officers while tolerating it among high officials.  And even the most ethical human ruler is subject to inherent imperfection. As the Bible says, "there is no righteous man on earth who always does good." - ECCLESIASTES 7:20.

THE SOLUTION: Unlike imperfect humans, Jesus Christ, whom God has selected to be Ruler of the Kingdom, cannot be tempted into doing what is wrong. Jesus showed this by rejecting the massive bribe ever offered- "all the kingdoms of the world and their glory." Jesus was promised this in exchange for one act of false worship to the ruler of the world, the Devil. (Matthew 4:8-10; John 14:30) Even when Jesus was being tortured to death, he was so determined to maintain his integrity that he refused a drug that would have dulled the pain but might also have left him without full command of his senses . (Matthew 27:34) Now raised back to heavenly life by God, Jesus has proved that he is full qualified to rule over the Kingdom. - PHILIPPIANS 2:8-11. 

Next time: A Government With No Corruption -Stability

From the jw.org publications

A Government With No Corruption

 Power

THE PROBLEM: Human governments are funded by their cities, most often through taxes and duties.  This flow of money tempts some officials to steal, while others accept bribes from individuals who want them to reduce their taxes or other payments due to the government. A vicious circle may result -the government raises taxes to make up for such losses, and this in turn fosters more corruption. In an environment like that, people who are honest may suffer the most. 

THE SOLUTION:  God's Kingdom receives its power from the almighty God, Jehovah.  (Revelation 11:15) It does not need to collect taxes to pay for its operation. Instead, God's "awe-inspiring power" and his unselfish generosity ensure that the Kingdom will abundantly provide for the needs of all its subjects. - ISAIAH 40:26; PSALM 145:16. 

Next time: A Government With No Corruption - RULER

From the jw.org publications

A GOVERNMENT FREE OF CORRUPTION/God's Kingdom-A Government With No Corruption

 "At the end of the day, public officials are still citizens and we are all a product of society." So stated the chief auditor of Nicaragua when explaining why he felt that corruption was impossible to eliminate. 

Would you not agree that if human society is corrupt, than any government that is a part of it will inevitably be corrupt?  If that is the case, then a government free of corruption must come from outside human society.  The Bible describes such a government-God's Kingdom, the government for which Jesus taught his followers to pray. - MATTHEW 6:9, 10. 

God's Kingdom is a real government that rules from heaven. It will replace all human governments.  (Psalm 2:8, 9; Revelation16:14; 19:19-21) Among the blessings that the Kingdom will bring to mankind is the elimination of government corruption. Consider six features of the Kingdom that guarantee this. 

Next time: A Government With No Corruption - Power

From the jw.org publications

Is the End of the World Near?

 Despite countless doomsday predictions, the world has not ended-not yet! So is the end of the world a fantasy or a fact?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

. How will it end?

. Will it happen?

. Can you survive? 

. What will the world be like after the end?

The Bible's answers to these questions, as discussed in this issue, will surprise and comfort you.

Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to help you learn more about God's purpose. 

Next tie: A GOVERNMENT FREE OF CORRUPTION/ God's Kingdom- A Government With No Corruption 

From the jw.org publications

The best education

 The best education

The Bible promises: "The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah." (Isaiah 11:9) Members of the new human society will learn from the infinite wisdom of their Creator, Jehovah, and about the beautiful things he created.  They will will not use their knowledge to build weapons or harm other humans. (Isaiah 2:4) Instead, they will learn how to live in peace and how to care for the earth. - PSALM 37:11.

Unending life

God took great care to prepare the earth so that we can enjoy life to the full each day.  He intends for humans to live on earth forever.  (Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 45:18) To fulfill his original purpose, God "will swallow up death forever." (Isaiah 25:8) "Death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry no pain be anymore," the Bible promises. (Revelation 21:4) God will give all humans-both those whom he saves when he destroys this wicked world and the countless dead ones he will resurrect in the coming new world-the opportunity to live forever. - JOHN 5:28, 29; ACTS 24:15. 

Even now, millions worldwide are preparing for mankind's new beginning so near at hand.  Although imperfect, they already trying to be the kind of people God would want in his new world.  How? By learning about Jehovah God and the one whom he sent Jesus Christ. - JOHN 17:3.

Find out more about how you can survive the end of this. world and live in a better world soon to come.  Accept a free interactive Bible course from one of Jehovah's Witnesses using the book Enjoy Life Forever!

Next time: Is the End of the World Near?

From the jw.org publications

Real peace and security

 Under God's global government, all people will enjoy peace and will treat one another kindly and fairly.  There will be no wars, no abuse of power, and no need to struggle for basic needs.  The Bible promises: "They will sit, each one under his fig tree, and no one will make them afraid. There will not be any old age but will have perfect health.

Ample housing and satisfying work

Every family will have a home without fear of being displaced, and all the work that we do will be rewarding.  As the Bible says, those living in God's new world "will not toil for nothing," or in vain. - ISAIAH 65:21-23. 

Next time: The best education

From the jw.org publications

 

Harmony with the natural environment

 When God's Kingdom take charge of the earth, the Creator will take full control of all aspects of the weather, keeping it in perfect balance.  (Psalm 24:1, 2) When he was on earth, Jesus gave a glimpse of the power God gave him when he effortlessly calmed a frightening storm.  (Mark 4:39, 41) Under Christ's rule, no one will have any reason to fear natural disasters.  God's Kingdom will restore the original harmony between nature and humans. - HOSEA 2:18.

Perfect health and abundant food

Everybody will enjoy perfect health; no one will become ill, or die. (Isaiah 35:5, 6) People will enjoy a beautiful clean environment like the one the first couple enjoyed in the garden of Eden. In the new world, just as in Eden, the ground will produce food in abundance and all inhabitants of the earth will have plenty. (Genesis 2:9) Like God's ancient nation of Israel, everyone in the Paradise will "eat [their] bread to satisfaction." - LEVITICUS 26:4, 5. 

Next time: Real peace and security

From the jw.org publications

Global government

 Soon, when God's new heavenly government exercises authority over all mankind, the earth will become a happy place where people can live together in harmony and do good and satisfying work.  God has appointed Jesus Christ to rule over the earth.  Unlike so many rulers today Jesus will have the interests of his subjects at heart.  His rulership will be based on love, and he will be a kind, merciful, and fair King. - ISAIAH 11:4.

The earth's new human society will not be divided by nationality or by ethnicity. Mankind will be one united people. (Revelation 7:9, 10) All humans living on earth will love God and love their neighbor, and they will cooperate peacefully to accomplish God's original purpose of taking care of their home, the earth. - PSALM 115:16. 

Next time: Harmony with the natural environment

From the jw.org publications

The Paradise New World That Is Near!

 God created the earth so that righteous humans could live on it forever.   (Psalm 37:29) He put the first human couple, Adam and Eve, in the beautiful garden of Eden, and he gave them and their descendants the responsibility to cultivate the earth and to take care of it. - GENESIS 1:28; 2:15. 

Today's world is far from the Paradise God meant it to be.  However, God has not changed his mind. How will he fulfill his original purpose?  As the preceding articles have shown, God will not destroy the earth itself. Rather, he will allow faithful  humans to live on it.  When God fulfills his promises what will condition on earth be like?

Next time: Global government

From the jw.org publications

PRAY TO GOD FOR HELP

 What can you do to follow God's guidance but are finding it difficult to stop doing that that he says are wrong? In that case, coming to know God can help you in a special way. Consider a woman whom we will call Sakura, who was living an immoral life.  When she started to study the Bible, she learned about God's command to "flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthians 6:18) Sakura prayed for God for strength and was able to stop this bad practice. But she still has to fight temptations.  "If immoral thoughts come to mind," she says, "I talk honestly to Jehovah in prayer, knowing that I cannot fight this by myself.  The power of prayer has drawn me closer to Jehovah."  Like Sakura, millions are coming to know God. He is giving them the strength they need to make changes in their live in a way that pleases him. - PHILIPPIANS 4:13.

The better you come to know God, the more you will "come to be known by God" as a precious friend. (Galatians 4:9; Psalm 25:14) Then you will qualify for survival into God's new world. But what will that new world be like? The following article will explain.

Next time: The Paradise New World That Is Near!

From the jw.org publications

Truths We Learn From the Bible

 We learn what God has already done to help us. 

The Bible says: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) God sent Jesus to the earth to give his life in our behalf. Regarding that act of love, an 86-year-old indian man name Prabhakar says: "It shows Jehovah's intense love for me. His love has given me hope of everlasting life. 

We learn how we can show appreciation for what God has done for us.

The Bible says that we can show our appreciation for what God has done for us by "observing his commandments." (1 John 2:3) Jehovah lovingly shows us what we can do to enjoy life now. (Isaiah 48:17, 18, footnote) God does not want us to suffer. He promises that if we follow his instruction, we will not only enjoy a happy life now but also have the opportunity to live forever.

READ GOD'S WORD, THE BIBLE, DAILY

We regularly eat food to stay al9ive. But Jesus said: "Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah's mouth." - MATTHEW 4:4. 

Today, we find Jehovah's words in the pages of the Bible. As you study that sacred book, you will learn vital truths about mankind's past, present, and future relationship with God.

Next time: PRAY TO GOD FOR HELP

From the jw.org publications

SURVIVE THE END BY "COMING TO KNOW " GOD

SURVIVE THE END BY "COMING TO KNOW" GOD

Jesus said: "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God." (John 17:3) To survive the end and live forever, we need to 'come to know' God.  That means much more than merely acknowledging that God exists or knowing a few facts about him. We need to be friends with him. As with any friendship that want to flourish, we need to devote time to it. Maintaining a friendship with God is no different. Consider some vital truths we learn from the Bible that help us to develop and maintain a friendship with God.

Truths We Learn From the Bible

We learn that God intended for us to live in Paradise.

He created the first humans, Adam and Eve, and placed them in a beautiful location called the garden of Eden.  They were perfect, and God had provided everything they needed in order to enjoy a happy life.  Their life could have been endless.  As long as they remained friends with God, they would never die. But they chose to disobey a simple command God gave them.

We learn why we are now suffering hardships.

By disobeying God, the first man, Adam. lost the opportunity to live forever, both for himself and for the rest of mankind.  The Bible explains: "Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men." (Romans 5:12) Just as a person might inherit a defect from his parents, all of Adam's children inherited imperfection from him. As a result we grow old and die. 

Next time: Truths We Learn From the Bible - We learn what God has already done to help us

From the jw.org publications

How You Can Live in a New World

 The preceding articles have shown that God will soon put an end to this ungodly human society with all its problems. We can be sure that this will happen. Why? Because God's Word, the Bible, has promised.

"The world is passing away." - 1 JOHN 2:17. 

We can be certain that there will be survivors because the above Bible verse also promises: 

"The one who does the will of God remains forever." 

Therefore, the key to survival is doing God's will.  To find out what God's will is, we must first come to know him.

Next time: SURVIVE THE END BY "COMING TO KNOW" GOD

From the jw.org publications

JUST BEFORE THE END OF THE WORLD

 "In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power. - 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5. 

Note: It is like that now.  And it won't get any better, it will just get worse.  Everyone needs the true God, Jehovah, not the traditional God that most religious people think they have but don't

Next time: How You Can Live in a New World

From the jw.org publications 

THE PARADISE EARTH IS NEAR!

 God has already set the day and hour he will bring an end to this present wicked system of things. (Matthew 24:36) Yet, there is more good news-God "does not desire anyone to be destroyed." (2 Peter 3:9) He is giving mankind the opportunity to conform to his standards. Why?  Because he wants us to survive the end of this world and live in his new world, when the earth will be a paradise. 

God has organized a global teaching program to help people learn how to become part of the new world under his Kingdom.  Jesus said that the good news about God's Kingdom would be preached in all the inhabited earth."  (Matthew 24:14) Worldwide, Jehovah's Witnesses spend billions of hours preaching and teaching the Bible's message of hope.  Jesus said that this preaching campaign would done throughout the earth before the end would come.

The time for human rule is almost over. But the good news is that you can survive the end of the world and be part of the Paradise earth that God has promised.  The following article will discuss how you can live in this new world. 

Next time: JUST BEFORE THE END OF THE WORLD

From the jw.org publications

Wars

 . Between 2007 and 2017, deaths from armed conflict and terrorism rose by 118 percent.

Illness

. In 2021, 9.8 percent of eh world population was starving and nearly one out of every three children under five were malnourished and stunted. 

Global Preaching

. Over 8.6 million preachers [Jehovah's Witnesses] distribute Bible literature in over 1,000 languages in 240 lands.

Next time: THE PARADISE EARTH IS NEAR!

From the jw.org publications

"THE LAST DAYS"

 The Bible describes the time period just before the end as "the last days" (2 Peter 3:3, 4) Second Timothy 3:1-5 states that the last would be marked by a steep moral decline.  (See the box "Just Before the End of the World.") Do you see people who exibit selfish, greedy, fierce and unloving traits today? This too is evidence that we are living in the very near the end of the world. 

How long will the last days be? According to the Bible, only   "a short period of time."  Then, God will destroy those ruining the earth." - REVELATION 11:15-18, footnote; 12:12.

Next time: Wars

From the jw.org publications

THE SIGN

These events would be the sign of "the conclusion of the system of things."  Jesus said: "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another." (Matthew 24:3, 7) He also said there would be "pestilences"-epidemic diseases. (Luke 21:11) Are  you seeing the events that Jesus prophesied? 

Devastating wars, famines, and earthquakes as well as relentless diseases have ravaged the earth in our day.  In 2004, for example, a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami that killed some 225,000 people.  In three years, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in some 6.9 million deaths worldwide. Jesus said that events like these would indicate that the end of this system of things is near. 

Next time: "The Last Days" 

From the jw.org publications

When Will the End Come?/What Jesus Said

 As we learned in the preceding article, when the Bible speaks about the end of the world, it does not mean the end of the earth or mankind. Rather, it means the end of the present corrupt system of things and all those who support it.  But does the Bible sats when the end of the system of things will take place?

CONSIDER TWO STATEMENTS JESUS MADE ABOUT THE END: 

"Keep looking, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour." - MATTHEW 25:13. 

"Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is." -MARK 13:33. 

So no one on earth knows exactly when this system of things will come to an end.  However, God has set and "appointed time"-a definite "day and hour"-for the end to come. (Matthew 24:36) Does this mean that there is absolutely no way of knowing when the end is near?  Not at all. Jesus told his disciples to look for a number of events that would indicate that the end was close at hand.

Next time: The Sign

From the jw.org publications

WANTED-An End to Human Rulership

 What the Bible says: "It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." - JEREMIAH 10:23. 

WHAT IT MEANS:  Humans were not created to rule themselves. They do a poor job of governing other people and solving their problems.

Consider: Britannica Academic notes that individual governments seem unable to "handle the universal enemies of poverty, hunger, disease, natural disaster, and war or other violence."  It then continues: "Some . . . believe that only a form of world government can make decisive headway against those evils." However, even it all human governments united, the world would still be ruled by imperfect humans who are unable to overcome the difficulties mentioned above. God's Kingdom is the only government that has the power to solve all global problems permanently. 

Therefore, according to the Bible, the end of the world -the present wicked system of things-is not something that good people should fear. Instead, it is something to look forward to because this ruined old world will be replaced by God's magnificent new world. 

When will this all happen? The next article will explain the Bible's answer. 

Note: Don't forget,  the people in Noah's day did not listen to him either, even though he warned them over and over.  Yes, it took awhile for God to do what he said he was going to do, but his view of time is not ours. He wanted to give them time to repent and change their ways, but they didn't so he destroyed the wicked people. And these days, he is giving everyone time to do the same-repent and change their ways.   But he will do what he said he was going to do.  Every prophesy he ever uttered has come true, so Jehovah God is not a liar. To God, a  day is a thousand years. Think about it and be prepared. We are at the end of Revelation now. 

Next time: When Will the End Come?/What Jesus Said

From the jw.org publications

What Will End?/Problems and Wickedness

 What It Means 

The flood of Noah's day did not wipe out wickedness once and for all. After the Flood, wicked people once again made life miserable for everyone.  Soon, though, God will bring an end to wickedness. As the psalmist said: "The wicked will be no more," God will put and to wickedness by means of his Kingdom - a world government that rules from heaven over a righteous human society.

Consider: Will those presently ruling the earth welcome rule by God's Kingdom?  The Bible indicates that they will not. Foolishly, they will oppose God's Kingdom.  (Psalm 2:2) What will be the result?  God's Kingdom will replace all human government, and "it stand alone forever." (Daniel 2:44) But why does human rulership need to end? 

Next time: Wanted-And End to Human Rulership

From the jw.org publications

Is This World Going to End?

 Perhaps you are aware that the Bible speaks of the end of this world.  (1 John 2:17) Is it referring to the human race? Will planet Earth become a lifeless wasteland or be destroyed completely? 

THE BIBLE'S ANSWER TO BOTH OF THESE QUESTIONS IS NO!

What Will Not End? 

MANKIND

What the Bible says: God "did not create the earth simply for nothing but formed it to be inhabited." - ISAIAH 45:18. 

PLANET EARTH

What the Bible says: "A generation is going, and generation is coming, but the earth remains forever." - ECCLESIASTES 1:4.

What It Means: According to the Bible, the earth will never be destroyed and it will always be inhabited. So, what is meant  by the end of the world? 

Consider:  The Bible compares the coming end of this world to what happened in the days of Noah. At that time, the earth was "full of violence." (Genesis 6:13) However, Noah was righteous. So God preserved Noah and his family, but He destroyed the wicked people by means of a flood.   Referring to what happened back then, the Bible says: "The world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water." (2 Peter 3:6) That was the end of a world. Yet, what was destroyed?  Not the earth, but the wicked people on the earth.  Thus, when the Bible speaks of the end of the world, it is not referring to the destruction of the planet. Instead, it is referring to the end of the wicked people on the earth and to the system of things they have put together. 

Next time: What Will End?/PROBLEMS AND WICKEDNESS

From the jw.org publications

 

We Need a Better World!

 "We are a world in turmoil," stated  Antonio Guterres secretary-general of the United Nations.  Would you not agree?

The news is full of distressing reports 

. Disease and pandemics

. Natural disasters

. Poverty and hunger

. Pollution and global warming

. Crime, violence, and corruption

. Wars

Clearly, we need a better world. A world where there is

. Perfect health

. Safety and security for everyone

. Abundant food 

. A healthy environment

. Justice for all 

. Global peace 

What, though, do we mean when we speak of a better world? 

What will happen to the world we live in now? 

What can we do to live in a better world?

Next time: Is This World Going to End? 

From the jw.org publications