Thank you for supporting this blog. I am so blessed to be able to help spread the word of God around the world.
I will post a new blog entry as soon as I am able. I don't have access to a computer yet. I live on a fixed income and I am unable to afford a computer. I made my previous entries using someone else's computer. I can't afford to buy a computer. Hopefully I will have access to a computer soon. I don't live near a public library so I don't have access to public computers either.
Please return to this blog often to check for updates. If you would like to contact me, you can reach me at the address below. Thank you, again.
God bless you,
Mary
Write to:
Blackwell
c/o Mary
P.O. Box 200207
Evans, CO 80620
9.19.2009
8.26.2009
Blog Updates
Moving
Due to having last minute packing and little time to get done, I will not be able to post my blog. For new readers etc.., I will be moving from Colorado to Oklahoma and may not have access to a computer for awhile, but if I am able to have access to a computer, I will be posting a blog. Please have patience, I will be back online as soon as I can.
Thank you,
Mary Kohn
Due to having last minute packing and little time to get done, I will not be able to post my blog. For new readers etc.., I will be moving from Colorado to Oklahoma and may not have access to a computer for awhile, but if I am able to have access to a computer, I will be posting a blog. Please have patience, I will be back online as soon as I can.
Thank you,
Mary Kohn
8.25.2009
Is Superstition Compatible With Bible Teaching? -Breaking Free From Superstition
Breaking Free From Superstition
There are countless superstitious practices, and all of them have something in common-the lack of a logical explanation. Superstitions can, among other things, lead people into blaming their misfortunes on bad luck rather than accepting the responsibility for their deeds.
Happily, many have broken free from superstition. Jesus said: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Clementina, a Brazilian fortune teller for 25 years, said: "Fortune telling was my only means of making a living. But Bible truth freed me from superstition." In reality, regular Bible study and heartfelt prayer to Jehovah God can help us develop inner strength. This can stabilize and balance our thinking, which can lead to sound decisions that prevent calamity and alleviate anxiety.-Philippians 4:6, 7, 13.
The Bible asks: "What sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial [Satan]?" Hence, true Christians must keep away from superstition. -2 Corinthians 6:14-16.
Next time: Sharing The Good News In Faraway Places
Awake! 2008
There are countless superstitious practices, and all of them have something in common-the lack of a logical explanation. Superstitions can, among other things, lead people into blaming their misfortunes on bad luck rather than accepting the responsibility for their deeds.
Happily, many have broken free from superstition. Jesus said: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Clementina, a Brazilian fortune teller for 25 years, said: "Fortune telling was my only means of making a living. But Bible truth freed me from superstition." In reality, regular Bible study and heartfelt prayer to Jehovah God can help us develop inner strength. This can stabilize and balance our thinking, which can lead to sound decisions that prevent calamity and alleviate anxiety.-Philippians 4:6, 7, 13.
The Bible asks: "What sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial [Satan]?" Hence, true Christians must keep away from superstition. -2 Corinthians 6:14-16.
Next time: Sharing The Good News In Faraway Places
Awake! 2008
8.24.2009
Is Superstition Compatible With Bible Teaching? - The Source Of Superstition
The Source Of Superstition
Mankind in general has been plagued by fears-fears of death , of the unknown, and of what is called the Hereafter, to mention just a few. Satan, the rebel opposer of God, is determined to enslave people, and he has been feeding such fears with malicious lies. (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9) Satan is not alone in his efforts to lure people away from God. In the Bible, Satan is called "the ruler of the demons." (Matthew 12:24-27) Who are the demons? In Noah's time a number of angels joined Satan in his rebellion against God and made themselves demons. Since then, they have been trying to influence people's minds. Superstition has been one of their devices. -Genesis 6:1, 2; Luke 8:2, 30; Jude 6.
One of Satan's lies has provided a base for superstition. It is the belief that an invisible entity survives the death of a person's body and can come back to affect the living. But the Bible says: "As for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all." It further states that "there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom" after one dies. -Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
"Something Detestable To Jehovah"
Many individuals have chose to believe Satan's lies. Yet, years ago, God gave his people the Israelites clear direction on the matter. "There should not be found in you anyone," his Word says, "who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or any one who inquires of the dead. For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah." -Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
Sadly, the Israelites did not always heed this warning. For example, in the days of the prophet Isaiah, some believed that a good crop depended on appeasing "the god of Good Luck" -a superstitious belief that resulted in dire consequences. They lost Jehovah's favor and blessing. -Isaiah 65:11, 12.
Jehovah's attitude toward superstition did not change with the coming of Christianity. The apostle Paul urged superstitious people in the city of Lystra "to turn from these vain things ["vanities," or "superstitions," The Emphatic Diaglott] to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them." -Acts 14:15.
Next time: Is Superstition Compatible With Bible Teaching? - Breaking Free From Superstition
Awake! 2008
Mankind in general has been plagued by fears-fears of death , of the unknown, and of what is called the Hereafter, to mention just a few. Satan, the rebel opposer of God, is determined to enslave people, and he has been feeding such fears with malicious lies. (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9) Satan is not alone in his efforts to lure people away from God. In the Bible, Satan is called "the ruler of the demons." (Matthew 12:24-27) Who are the demons? In Noah's time a number of angels joined Satan in his rebellion against God and made themselves demons. Since then, they have been trying to influence people's minds. Superstition has been one of their devices. -Genesis 6:1, 2; Luke 8:2, 30; Jude 6.
One of Satan's lies has provided a base for superstition. It is the belief that an invisible entity survives the death of a person's body and can come back to affect the living. But the Bible says: "As for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all." It further states that "there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom" after one dies. -Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
"Something Detestable To Jehovah"
Many individuals have chose to believe Satan's lies. Yet, years ago, God gave his people the Israelites clear direction on the matter. "There should not be found in you anyone," his Word says, "who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or any one who inquires of the dead. For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah." -Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
Sadly, the Israelites did not always heed this warning. For example, in the days of the prophet Isaiah, some believed that a good crop depended on appeasing "the god of Good Luck" -a superstitious belief that resulted in dire consequences. They lost Jehovah's favor and blessing. -Isaiah 65:11, 12.
Jehovah's attitude toward superstition did not change with the coming of Christianity. The apostle Paul urged superstitious people in the city of Lystra "to turn from these vain things ["vanities," or "superstitions," The Emphatic Diaglott] to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them." -Acts 14:15.
Next time: Is Superstition Compatible With Bible Teaching? - Breaking Free From Superstition
Awake! 2008
8.23.2009
Is Superstition Compatible With Bible Teaching?
A JOURNALIST refrained from flying for a year because a fortune teller had predicted that he would die in a plane accident. People from all walks of life, including politicians, businessmen, actors, athletes, and college students, resort to superstitious practices. In times of uncertainty, stress or anxiety, they feel that such practices protect them against dangers or help them reach their goals.
Many forms of superstition are seen as quaint or as an inoffensive source of psychological support. The late anthropologist Margaret Mead observed: "Superstitions reflect the keenness of our wish to have something come true or to prevent something bad from happening. The half acceptance and half denial accorded superstitions give us the best of both worlds." Still, those determined to please God should ask themselves, 'Is superstition compatible with Christianity?'
Next time: The Source Of Superstition
Awake! 2008
Many forms of superstition are seen as quaint or as an inoffensive source of psychological support. The late anthropologist Margaret Mead observed: "Superstitions reflect the keenness of our wish to have something come true or to prevent something bad from happening. The half acceptance and half denial accorded superstitions give us the best of both worlds." Still, those determined to please God should ask themselves, 'Is superstition compatible with Christianity?'
Next time: The Source Of Superstition
Awake! 2008
8.22.2009
How To Find True Religion-How The Truth Affects People
How The Truth Affects People
When one finds the truth, as did the Beroeans, he is moved to share it enthusiastically. Others may disapprove, holding that it is more humble to feel that other religions could be equally correct. However, the Bible's truth-once found-instills conviction. It does not leave one wondering if truth is attainable or if all religions might lead to salvation. Finding the truth, however, begins with an earnest examination, which does indeed require humility.
Jehovah's Witnesses have made such an examination. That is why they believe that they have found the true religion. And they invite you to make a search of the Scriptures so as to identify who is practicing true religion today. While there is much more involved that and simple checklist could provide.
By accepting a home Bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses at no cost, you can make an in-depth search of what the Bible really teaches. Learning this will put you in position to identify the true religion.
(Note: The Jehovah's Witnesses go by the Bible standards which is the true truth. If everyone just went by what Jehovah says in the Bible, everyone would be so much happier and better off in everyway. I am not a Jehovah's Witness. I only go by what the Bible says to and I am happier for it. I have tried going to meetings and having a Bible Study, I did learn a lot, but my Bible study teacher was pressuring me and they are not suppose to do that. Jehovah says in the Bible, Do not force people to do what they do not want to do. I wanted to learn, but I did not want to speak out loud, as far as answering questions etc.. I did not like it in high school doing book reports out loud and I wasn't going to be forced into it there either. Also, it got to where if she showed up, she would be late and would not call to let me know. And when she wasn't going to come, and if she did call to say she wasn't coming, she sometimes would call an hour late or not at all. You are suppose to be able to depend on these people to to what they say they are going to do or do what they are suppose to do. These people call themselves God's people. If you can find one that is dependable, that is great,because you want to learn all that you can of God's Word. But I had the wrong persons, so I quit and started studying on my own and am still learning. I have read the Bible word for word, front to back many times because I want to and because each time I do it, I learn more and more. So, I think that everyone should do this and learn as much as possible. It is really interesting. You cannot depend on all those false prophets to teach you everything in the Bible, because they will skip over it. I found this out, because in the past, I have been to many churches and seen many faiths. This is the true knowledge. I have two Bibles, the one Jehovah's Witnesses have and the regular one and they both, with the exception of a few different words that mean the same, all say the same, the truth. )
Next time: Is Superstition Compatible With Bible Teaching?
Awake! 2008
When one finds the truth, as did the Beroeans, he is moved to share it enthusiastically. Others may disapprove, holding that it is more humble to feel that other religions could be equally correct. However, the Bible's truth-once found-instills conviction. It does not leave one wondering if truth is attainable or if all religions might lead to salvation. Finding the truth, however, begins with an earnest examination, which does indeed require humility.
Jehovah's Witnesses have made such an examination. That is why they believe that they have found the true religion. And they invite you to make a search of the Scriptures so as to identify who is practicing true religion today. While there is much more involved that and simple checklist could provide.
By accepting a home Bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses at no cost, you can make an in-depth search of what the Bible really teaches. Learning this will put you in position to identify the true religion.
(Note: The Jehovah's Witnesses go by the Bible standards which is the true truth. If everyone just went by what Jehovah says in the Bible, everyone would be so much happier and better off in everyway. I am not a Jehovah's Witness. I only go by what the Bible says to and I am happier for it. I have tried going to meetings and having a Bible Study, I did learn a lot, but my Bible study teacher was pressuring me and they are not suppose to do that. Jehovah says in the Bible, Do not force people to do what they do not want to do. I wanted to learn, but I did not want to speak out loud, as far as answering questions etc.. I did not like it in high school doing book reports out loud and I wasn't going to be forced into it there either. Also, it got to where if she showed up, she would be late and would not call to let me know. And when she wasn't going to come, and if she did call to say she wasn't coming, she sometimes would call an hour late or not at all. You are suppose to be able to depend on these people to to what they say they are going to do or do what they are suppose to do. These people call themselves God's people. If you can find one that is dependable, that is great,because you want to learn all that you can of God's Word. But I had the wrong persons, so I quit and started studying on my own and am still learning. I have read the Bible word for word, front to back many times because I want to and because each time I do it, I learn more and more. So, I think that everyone should do this and learn as much as possible. It is really interesting. You cannot depend on all those false prophets to teach you everything in the Bible, because they will skip over it. I found this out, because in the past, I have been to many churches and seen many faiths. This is the true knowledge. I have two Bibles, the one Jehovah's Witnesses have and the regular one and they both, with the exception of a few different words that mean the same, all say the same, the truth. )
Next time: Is Superstition Compatible With Bible Teaching?
Awake! 2008
8.21.2009
How To Find True Religion- An Approach That Works
An Approach That Works
Some first-century residents of Beroea were commended by the apostle Paul for the way they responded when he taught them. They did not immediately accept what Paul said as truth; still, they listened respectfully. We can learn from what the Beroeans did after hearing the message.
Note that the Bible explains: "Now the [Beroeans] were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. Therefore many of them become believers." (Acts 17:10-12) So their search was not superficial. They did not expect conclusive results in just one or two brief discussions with Paul.
Observe also that the Beroeans "receive the word with the greatest eagerness of mind." This tells us something about the attitude with which they approached their study of the Scriptures. They were not gullible, but neither were they cynical. They did not have a critical attitude toward what was explained by Paul, who was one of God's human representatives.
Consider this too: The Beroeans were hearing about Christianity for the first time. It sounded good, perhaps too good to be true. But rather than dismiss it, they carefully examined the Scriptures, checking to see 'whether the things Paul was saying were so.' Note, too, that those both Beroea and Thessalonica who made such a diligent search became believers. (Acts 17:4, 12) They did not give up and conclude that truth cannot be found. They identified the true religion.
Next time: How To Find True Religion- How The Truth Affects People
Awake! 2008
Some first-century residents of Beroea were commended by the apostle Paul for the way they responded when he taught them. They did not immediately accept what Paul said as truth; still, they listened respectfully. We can learn from what the Beroeans did after hearing the message.
Note that the Bible explains: "Now the [Beroeans] were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. Therefore many of them become believers." (Acts 17:10-12) So their search was not superficial. They did not expect conclusive results in just one or two brief discussions with Paul.
Observe also that the Beroeans "receive the word with the greatest eagerness of mind." This tells us something about the attitude with which they approached their study of the Scriptures. They were not gullible, but neither were they cynical. They did not have a critical attitude toward what was explained by Paul, who was one of God's human representatives.
Consider this too: The Beroeans were hearing about Christianity for the first time. It sounded good, perhaps too good to be true. But rather than dismiss it, they carefully examined the Scriptures, checking to see 'whether the things Paul was saying were so.' Note, too, that those both Beroea and Thessalonica who made such a diligent search became believers. (Acts 17:4, 12) They did not give up and conclude that truth cannot be found. They identified the true religion.
Next time: How To Find True Religion- How The Truth Affects People
Awake! 2008
8.20.2009
How To Find True Religion- What About Christian Truth?
What About Christian Truth?
What of the truth proclaimed by Jesus Christ? Did everyone recognize it as a message from God? No. Even though Jesus was right there in the midst of the people of Israel teaching them and performing miracles, most of his listeners did not discern that he was the foretold Messiah - the Christ, or Anointed One.
To the Pharisees who asked when God's Kingdom was coming, Jesus himself said: "The Kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness." He added: "The Kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:20, 21) God's appointed Ruler, Jesus, was among them! But those Pharisees refused to open their eyes to the evidence that he was fulfilling the Messianic prophecies and to accept him as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." -Matthew 16:16.
The response to the truth proclaimed by Christ's first-century disciples was similar. While miracles helped to demonstrate that God was supporting the disciples, the truth was still not plain to most. (Acts 8:1-8, 9: 32-41) Jesus commissioned his followers to "make disciples of people" by teaching them. As a result of listening and learning Scriptural truths, sincere seekers of truth became believers. -Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:42; 17:2-4, 32-34.
It is the same today. The "good news of the kingdom" is being " preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations." (Matthew 24:14) This is not necessarily being done "with striking observableness" -in so obvious a way that every individual on earth will recognize it as a message from God. Yet, God's truth is recognizable and strikes a responsive chord in honesthearted individuals who want to worship God in the way approved by him. -John 10:4, 27.
The fact that you are reading a Bible journal shows that you are a likely sincere seeker of truth. How can you determine which religion is teaching it?
Next time: How To Find True Religion -An Approach That Works
Awake! 2008
What of the truth proclaimed by Jesus Christ? Did everyone recognize it as a message from God? No. Even though Jesus was right there in the midst of the people of Israel teaching them and performing miracles, most of his listeners did not discern that he was the foretold Messiah - the Christ, or Anointed One.
To the Pharisees who asked when God's Kingdom was coming, Jesus himself said: "The Kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness." He added: "The Kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:20, 21) God's appointed Ruler, Jesus, was among them! But those Pharisees refused to open their eyes to the evidence that he was fulfilling the Messianic prophecies and to accept him as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." -Matthew 16:16.
The response to the truth proclaimed by Christ's first-century disciples was similar. While miracles helped to demonstrate that God was supporting the disciples, the truth was still not plain to most. (Acts 8:1-8, 9: 32-41) Jesus commissioned his followers to "make disciples of people" by teaching them. As a result of listening and learning Scriptural truths, sincere seekers of truth became believers. -Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:42; 17:2-4, 32-34.
It is the same today. The "good news of the kingdom" is being " preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations." (Matthew 24:14) This is not necessarily being done "with striking observableness" -in so obvious a way that every individual on earth will recognize it as a message from God. Yet, God's truth is recognizable and strikes a responsive chord in honesthearted individuals who want to worship God in the way approved by him. -John 10:4, 27.
The fact that you are reading a Bible journal shows that you are a likely sincere seeker of truth. How can you determine which religion is teaching it?
Next time: How To Find True Religion -An Approach That Works
Awake! 2008
8.19.2009
How To Find True Religion
'If truth from God really exists, why must I search to find it?' Some ask. 'If God has an important message for all mankind, would he not convey it clearly enough so that people would grasp it immediately, without the need for investigation?"
SURELY God has the ability to do such a thing. But is that the way he has chosen to communicate truth?
How God Conveys Truth
Actually, God conveys his messages in a way that allows sincere seekers of truth to search them out. (Psalm 14:2) Consider the message that God delivered through his prophet Jeremiah centuries ago. It was given to God's wayward people regarding the coming destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. -Jeremiah 25:8-11; 52:12-14.
Yet, at the same time, other prophets claimed to speak for God. Hananiah foretold peace for Jerusalem. That was a very different message from the one that Jeremiah delivered. So whom was a person at that time to believe-Jeremiah or those who contradicted him? -Jeremiah 23:16, 17; 28:1, 2, 10-17.
To know who was right, sincere Jews needed to know Jehovah as a person. they needed to understand his laws and principles, as well as his attitude toward wrongdoing. Doing so, they would have agreed with God's words spoken through Jeremiah that "there was not a man repenting over his badness." (Jeremiah 8:5-7) Furthermore, they would have discerned that this sad situation did not bode will for Jerusalem and its inhabitants. -Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Jeremiah 52:4-14.
Jeremiah's prophecies came true. The city was razed by the Babylonians in 607 B.C.E. Although the consequences of disobedience were foretold long in advance, effort was needed to recognize that the time had arrived for God to take action.
Next time: How To Find True Religion- What About Christian Truth?
Awake! 2008
SURELY God has the ability to do such a thing. But is that the way he has chosen to communicate truth?
How God Conveys Truth
Actually, God conveys his messages in a way that allows sincere seekers of truth to search them out. (Psalm 14:2) Consider the message that God delivered through his prophet Jeremiah centuries ago. It was given to God's wayward people regarding the coming destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. -Jeremiah 25:8-11; 52:12-14.
Yet, at the same time, other prophets claimed to speak for God. Hananiah foretold peace for Jerusalem. That was a very different message from the one that Jeremiah delivered. So whom was a person at that time to believe-Jeremiah or those who contradicted him? -Jeremiah 23:16, 17; 28:1, 2, 10-17.
To know who was right, sincere Jews needed to know Jehovah as a person. they needed to understand his laws and principles, as well as his attitude toward wrongdoing. Doing so, they would have agreed with God's words spoken through Jeremiah that "there was not a man repenting over his badness." (Jeremiah 8:5-7) Furthermore, they would have discerned that this sad situation did not bode will for Jerusalem and its inhabitants. -Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Jeremiah 52:4-14.
Jeremiah's prophecies came true. The city was razed by the Babylonians in 607 B.C.E. Although the consequences of disobedience were foretold long in advance, effort was needed to recognize that the time had arrived for God to take action.
Next time: How To Find True Religion- What About Christian Truth?
Awake! 2008
8.18.2009
Who Should Determine True Religion? -After Jesus Came To Earth
After Jesus Came To Earth
Later, after Jesus was sent to earth, the way of true worship was established on the basis of its teachings, and God's purposes were illuminated in a grand way. In time, true worshipers came to be called "Christians." (Acts 11:26) Thus, Jews who wanted God's approval had to leave their former way of worship. They did not have the option of choosing between two systems of worship or of worshiping as isolated individuals. As we have seen in God's Word, true worshipers were united in "one faith." -Ephesians 4:4, 5.
Today the idea that God deals with mankind through only one religion may seem extreme and unpalatable to some. Yet, it is the conclusion to which the Bible points. In the past, many individuals who had worshiped in their own way came to grips with this fact. They joined themselves to the true worshipers of Jehovah, and any initial misgivings gave way to great blessings and joy. For example, the Bible says that after one Ethiopian man accepted Christianity and was baptized, "he kept going on his way rejoicing." -Acts 8:39.
Anyone today who accepts and practices the true religion will realize similar blessings. But with so many religions to choose from, how can you identify the one true religion?
Next time: How To Find The True Religion?
Awake! 2008
Later, after Jesus was sent to earth, the way of true worship was established on the basis of its teachings, and God's purposes were illuminated in a grand way. In time, true worshipers came to be called "Christians." (Acts 11:26) Thus, Jews who wanted God's approval had to leave their former way of worship. They did not have the option of choosing between two systems of worship or of worshiping as isolated individuals. As we have seen in God's Word, true worshipers were united in "one faith." -Ephesians 4:4, 5.
Today the idea that God deals with mankind through only one religion may seem extreme and unpalatable to some. Yet, it is the conclusion to which the Bible points. In the past, many individuals who had worshiped in their own way came to grips with this fact. They joined themselves to the true worshipers of Jehovah, and any initial misgivings gave way to great blessings and joy. For example, the Bible says that after one Ethiopian man accepted Christianity and was baptized, "he kept going on his way rejoicing." -Acts 8:39.
Anyone today who accepts and practices the true religion will realize similar blessings. But with so many religions to choose from, how can you identify the one true religion?
Next time: How To Find The True Religion?
Awake! 2008
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