Apocalypse -What Is It? -Searching Out Divine Secrets -Continue

 As early as 1917, the Watch Tower Society published the book The Finished Mystery. This was a verse-by- verse commentary on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation. Then, as world events continued to unfold in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, a timely two-volume work entitled Light was prepared, being released in 1930. This offered an updated Bible study of Revelation. Light continued to 'flash up for the righteous,' so that in 1963 the Society published the 704-page book "Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdo Rules!  This gave in great detail the history of the rise and fall of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, and it was climaxed with the discussion of the final nine chapters of Revelation. As 'the path of the righteous ones grew brighter,' particularly with regard to congregational activity, there followed in 1969 a 384-page volume, "Then Is Finished the Mystery of God," which discussed the first 13 chapters of Revelation. - PSALM 97:11; PROVERBS 4:18. 

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Chapter One/Revelation - It's Happy Climax - Apocalypse-What Is It?

 Is not Revelation also called Apocalypse? That is so," "revelation" being the English translation of a-po-ka'ly-psis in the Greek text. Many people equate Apocalypse with world destruction by nuclear warfare. In a Texas, U.S.A., city where great numbers of nuclear warheads are mad, religiously inclined people have been saying, "We'll be the first to go."  Clergymen in that area are reported to have "become convinced that Armageddon is not only inevitable but also close at hand, and that the final battle between the forces of good and bad, of God and Satan, will take place as a nuclear holocaust." 

But what really is an apocalypse? Though dictionaries define it by using terms such as "an imminent cosmic cataclysm," the Greek a-po-ka'ly-psis basically means "unveiling" or "uncovering." Thus, the last book of the Bible is properly entitled "A Revelation." Here we find, not a mere fatalistic message of world doom, but and uncovering of divine truths that should build in our hearts a radiant hope and an unmovable faith. 

True, Armageddon is described in the last book of the Bible as "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." (Revelation 16:14, 16) But it will be far different from a nuclear holocaust! Such a holocaust would likely mean the annihilation of all life on earth. On the contrary, God's Word gives the happy assurance that only the wicked opposers of God will be destroyed-by forces under God's control. (Palm 37:9, 10, 145:20) A great crowd of humans, out of all nations will survive the climax of divine judgment at Armageddon. Jesus Christ will then shepherd and guide those to life everlasting in a paradise earth. Do you want to be one of them? Happily, Revelation shows that you may be! - REVELATION 7:9, 14, 17.

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Revelation -It's Happy Climax

 A REVELATION TO JOHN - this thrilling book of the Bible brings the divine record to a happy climax. Why do we say "happy"? Well, the Author of the Bible is described as "the happy God," who entrusts "glorious, good news" to those who love him. He wants us to be happy too. Thus, at the outset Revelation assures us: "Happy is he who reads . . . the words of this prophecy." In its final chapter we are told: "Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophecy of this scroll." - 1 TIMOTHY1:11; REVELATION 1:3; 22:7.

How do we find happiness through the book of Revelation? We do so by searching out the meaning of its vivid signs, or symbols, and acting in harmony therewith. Mankind's turbulent history will soon reach a catastrophic, as God and Jesus Christ executed judgment on today's wicked system, replacing it with "a new heaven and a new earth," where even "death will be no more." (Revelation 21:1, 4) Do not all of us want to live in such a new world, in true peace and security? We can if we build up our faith through study of God's Word, including the stirring prophecy of Revelation. 

Next time: Revelation - It's Happy Climax - Apocalypse - What Is It? 

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BIBLE PHRASE/Using Your "Spiritual Gift" - Conclusion

 Encourage others by your decisions and actions. For instance, some have chosen to stay in full-time service despite facing personal challenges. Others regularly support the midweek meeting despite a demanding work schedule or a chronic health problem. 

Do your expressions of faith encourage your brothers and sisters? And are you alert to accept these spiritual gifts in return? 

Next time: To Be Determined

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BIBLE PHRASE/ Using Your/"Spiritual Gift"

 We all treasure the mutual encouragement that we enjoy with our Christian brothers and sisters. But that encouragement goes beyond just being together. The Bible calls our ability to strengthen one another 's faith a "spiritual gift." (Romas 1:11, 12) How may we use that gift to its full potential?

Give a gift of well-chosen words. For example, we can give comments at meetings that focus, not on ourselves, but on Jehovah, his Word, and his people. In conversations with fellow believers, we can choose to talk about upbuilding topics. 

Next time: BIBLE PHRASE/Using Your "Spiritual Gift" - Conclusion

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Questions From Readers/What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future? - Conclusion

 What a gift that transfiguration was for Peter-and for us! Decades later he wrote of the privilege he had that night of actually seeing a preview of Jesus as a glorious heavenly King and of being one of the "eyewitnesses" of his magnificence." That vision confirmed many prophecies of God's Word and strengthened Peter's faith for the trials he had yet to face. (Read 2 Peter 1:16-19.) It can do the same for us if, like Pete, we remain loyal to the Master whom Jehovah has appointed over us, learning from him, accepting his discipline and correction, and humbly following him day by day. 

What, then, may we expect. We need not look for news reports that governments are slowly becoming more supportive of the United Nations. What can we expect is this: With startling suddenness, Jehovah will put it into the hearts of the nations to hand over their power to the wild beast. When that happens, we will know that the great tribulation is about to begin. Meanwhile, "let us stay awake and keep our senses" because sudden changes are soon to come! - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:6. 

Next time: Bible Phrase/Using Your "Spiritual Gift"

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Questions From Readers/ What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future?

 Regarding the start of the great tribulation, Revelation 17:16, 17 says: "The ten horns that you saw ad the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her devastated and naked, and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts to carry out his though, yes, to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast."  In the past, our publications have said that the "thought" that Jehovah will put into the hearts of the nations is to destroy false religion. 

However, an adjustment is needed. The "thought" that Jehovah will put into the hearts of the nations is for them to give "their kingdom to the wild beast." To understand how will be fulfilled, consider the following questions. 

Who are the main characters in the prophecy? The prostitute" is also called "Babylon the great"; She represents the world empire of false religion.  "The "scarlet-colored wild beast" is a symbol of the peace organization that began to function in 1919 as the League of Nations-the voice of Jehovah God! He said: "This is my Son, the one that has been chosen. Listen to him." Then the vision was over, and they were alone with Jesus on the mountain. - LUKE 9:34-36.

Next time: Questions From the Readers/ What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future? 

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Help for Mistreated Women - Conclusion

 Stacy and two other sisters had similar success at another shelter where five copes of the tract were accepted and more were requested. "This pamphlet will help the women here," said one of the employees. She added, "we need this." On a later visit, several residents gathered to see a Bible study demonstrated and two of them expressed interest in attending the next weekend meeting at the Kingdom Hall. 

Stacy says: "We are amazed at how this beautiful article has been received. When printed and folded, it is an appealing way to share the Kingdom message with this special audience. We were touched by the warm reaction we received, and we are excited to see how Jehovah will bless our efforts to reach these individuals further with the good news. " 

Next time: Questions From Readers/What "thought" will Jehovah put into the hearts of the nations in the near future?

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Help for Mistreated Women

 So begins the jw.org article "Women's Safety-The Bible's Perspective." A link at the end of that article lets you download a PDF of the material, which can be printed and folded into a four-page tract. "I printed copies and, along with another sister, took them to a women's shelter in my congregation territory," says a sister in the United States name Stacy. 

An employed there asked if she could have additional copies to distribute to those living at the shelter. As a result, 40 or more of these tracts were delivered along with 30 jw.org contact cards. On a later visit, the administrator at the shelter expressed interest in having a person Bible study demonstrated for the residents. 

Next time: Help for Mistreated Women - Conclusion

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"Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit" - 'EARNESTLY ENDEAVOR' TO MAINTAIN UNITY - Conclusion

When we resolve personal offenses-even in only in our heart-we will continue to experience "the uniting bond of peace." The Greek word that is translated "uniting bond" at Ephesians 4:3  is rendered "ligaments" at Colossians 2:19. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that join one bone to the other. In a similar way, peace as well as love for our brothers helps us remain close to them despite any differences with have with them. 

So when a fellow believer offends, upsets, or irritates you, try to view that person compassionately rather than critically. (Colossians 3:12) Since all humans are imperfect, you too have likely caused someone offense at some point. Keeping that in mind will help you do your par "to maintain the oneness of the spirit. 

Next time: Help for Mistreated Women

From the jw.org publications 

"Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit" - 'EARNESTLY ENDEAVOR' TO MAINTAIN UNITY

 As Paul noted, we might at times need to work hard to maintain the oneness of the spirit. That could especially be the case if a brother or a sister has offended us. Does maintaining unity always require that we approach the person and talk out the problem? Not necessarily. Ask yourself, 'will making an issue over this difference promote unity or cause more contention?' Sometimes the wise course is simply to overlook it or to forgive. - PROVERBS 19:11; MARK 11:25. 

As the apostle Paul wrote, let us keep "putting up with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2) One reference work says that this phrase ca be expressed as "receiving them as they are." This means that we accept that our fellow believers are sinful, as we are. Of course, we are trying to put on "the new personality."  (Ephesians 4:23, 24) However, none of us can do so perfectly. (Romans 3:23) If we accept that fact, it is easier for us to put up with one another, to be forgiving, and to thereby "maintain the oneness of the spirit." 

Next time: "Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit" - "EARNESTLY ENDEAVOR TO MAINTAIN UNITY - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

"Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit" - Conclusion

 To illustrate, suppose someone gave you a new car. Who would be responsible for keeping it in good repair? The answer is obvious. You cannot blame the gift-giver if the car breaks down because you didn't take care of it.

Similarly, although our Christian unity is a God-given gift, each of us is responsible to maintain it. If we do not have a peaceful relationship with a brother or a sister, we need to ask ourselves, 'Am I doing my part to maintain the oneness of the spirit by resolving the matter?' 

Next time: "Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit" - 'EARNESTLY ENDEAVOR' TO MAINTAIN UNITY

From the jw.org publications

"Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit"

 THE apostle Paul urged Christians in Ephesus to keep "putting up with one another in love, earnestly endeavoring to maintain the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace." - EPHESIANS 4:2, 3.

"The oneness," or unity, that we enjoy is "of the spirit." This means that it is a product of God's active force. However, as Paul noted, our unity needs to be maintained. By whom? Really, each Christian must do this or her part "to maintain the oneness of the spirit." 

Next time: "Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit" -Conclusion

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"You Are Someone Very Precous"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Continue

 Be convinced that you have Jehovah's approval. (Read Psalm 5:12) David likened Jehovah's approval to "a large shield" that protects righteous people. How can you know that you have Jehovah's approval? As we have seen, Jehovah gives you that assurance by means of His Word. In addition, he uses elders, close friends, and others to remind you that you are precious in his eyes. How should you respond to such encouragement? 

Why should reject words of commendation from those who know you and love you. Keep in mind that Jehovah may be using them to help you appreciate that you have his approval.  Eliana, mentioned earlier, says: "Little by little, I am learning to accept in my heart the kind words from others. It is a struggle, but I know that this is what Jehovah wanted me to do." Eliana has benefited from the loving efforts of the elders. She is now serving as a pioneer and as a remote volunteer for Bethel. 

Jesus likely reminds us that we matter very much to our heavenly Father. (Luke 12:24) So we can be confident that Jehovah sees us as precious. May we never forget this! And may we do our best to help others see how they are in God's eyes!

Next time: "Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit"

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"You Are Someone Very Precious"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Continue

 Recognize that your faithfulness makes you valuable in Jehovah's eyes. At one point, possibly when he was in his late  90's, the prophet Daniel felt "extremely weary" and disheartened. (Daniel 9:20, 21) How did Jehovah encourage him? God sent the angel Gabriel to remind Daniel that he was "someone very precious" and that his prayers had been heard. (Read Daniel 9:23.) What made Daniel so precious to God? Among other qualities it was his love of righteousness and his faithfulness. (Ezekiel 14:14) Jehovah preserved that account in his Word for our comfort. (Romans 15:4) Jehovah also listens to your prayers and values you for your love of what is right and your faithful service to him. - MICAH 6:8, ftns.; HEBREWS 6:10.

See Jehovah as a Father who loves you. He wants to help you, not find fault with you. (Psalm 130:3; Matthew 7:11; Luke 12:6, 7) Meditating on that has helped many with feelings of low self-worth. For example, Eliana, a sister from Spain who felt rejected and useless after years of verbal abuse from her husband. She says: "Whenever I feel useless, I try to imagine Jehovah carrying me in his arms and giving me love and protection." (Psalm 28:9) Lauren, a sister from South Africa, reminds herself, "If Jehovah kindly me to him with the cords of love, has kept me close to him all these years, and has even used me to teach others, then he surely considers me to be valuable and useful. - HOSEA 11:4.

Next time: "You Are Somone Very Precious"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Continue

From the jw.org publications