Are We Nearing Armageddon? - The Coming "Great Tribulation" -Conclusion

 "But unlike those thresholds, which were essentially benevolent for civilization's progress, this one . . . hold the potential for malevolence such as the world has never seen." 

While this editor was not viewing Armageddon entirely from the Biblical context, he was correct in saying that mankind is nearing a time of trouble "such as the world has never seen." What mankind actually is nearing is the "great tribulation such has not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again," as Jesus foretold. 

Therefore, if we love life and want to live a righteous new order of God's making, we very much need to learn about this coming "great tribulation" and its Armageddon climax. We need authoritative answers to such questions as: How do we know we are really nearing the "great tribulation"? What event will be a sure sign that it actually has begun?

Next time: Are We Nearing Armageddon? - HOW WE KNOW WE ARE GETTING NEAR

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Are We Nearing Armageddon? - The Coming "Great Tribulation"

 For many decades, Jehovah's Witnesses along have been very active on the international scene in sounding the warning about this coming time of trouble that would climax at Armageddon. (Mark13:10) At times, though, others sense that something cataclysmic is approaching, for they observe world conditions worsening with no hope of genuine or lasting improvement. For example, on May 4, 1980, the editor of the Miami Herald, Jim Hamton, wrote: 

"Do you have growing deep in your gut these days, the same kind of knot I have in mine? The awful, keep you awake nights knot that tells you something is dreadfully wrong with your country, with the whole world? The knot that makes you shiver sometimes because it has just dawned on you that Armageddon isn't just some allegory you read about in the Bible. It's real? And that for the first time in your life the match is so close to the fuse that Armageddon is actually possible? 

"I have that knot. And I am ashamed to admit it, because I have asked a dozen of my friends if they have it too, and not one doesn't. . . .

"Anyone with half a logical mind can put together the cataclysmic events of the past few years and see the world is at a historic threshold. It's a threshold as important as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, or the Electronic Age. It will change forever the way men live. 

Next time: Are We Nearing Armageddon? The Coming "Great Tribulation" - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

Are We Nearing Armageddon? -The Coming "Great Tribulation"

 God's war of Armageddon will be the final part of a period of time called the "great tribulation." Jesus spoke of it this way: "Then there will be great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, nor will occur again." (Matthew 24;21) Considering the catastrophes that taken place in the past, it is apparent that the "great tribulation" will be a time of upheaval unequaled in the entire history of the human family. But mercifully, it will be brief time, one that God will cut short." - MATTHEW 24:22.

However, while the "great tribulation" will be the worst of times, we can be comforted by the fact that it immediate precedes the best of times -in God's new order. Also, there is the happy prospect that many people now living will survive the coming time of trouble! God's Word promises that "a great crowd, which no man was able to number, our of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" will "come out of the great tribulation " as survivors. Even now God has wipe out every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:9, 14, 17) For this reason, Jesus was very optimistic of the future, although knowing that mankind had yet to face the "great tribulation." His hope-filled words are: "As these things start to occur, raise yourself erect and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near." - LUKE 21:28. 

Next time: Are We Nearing Armageddon? - The Coming "Great Tribulation" - Continue

From the jw.org publications

Are We Nearing Armageddon?

 While Armageddon will not mean the end of all mankind, nor of the earth, it certainly will mean the end of this system of things (or "world") as we know it. Armageddon will be God's way of totally crushing out of existence deteriorating political, social, and religious systems that have caused so much grief. "My judicial decision," says Jehovah, "is to gather nations, for me to collect together kingdoms, in order to pour out upon them my denunciation, all my burning anger." (Zephaniah 3:8) Thus, God's war of Armageddon, will mean the execution of his adverse judgment against "kings," "nations," and "kingdoms." Others to receive his adverse judgment, the Bible says, are the supporters of this present wicked system of things.  the "military commander," "strong men," "freemen," "slaves" and "small ones and great." - REVELATION 16:14; 19:18.

The end of the present system will pave the way for an entirely new order of God's making, a human society in which the will of God is going to be carried out "as in heaven, also upon earth." (Matthew 6:10) In that new order after Armageddon, Bible prophecy tells us, "righteousness is to dwell." (2 Peter 3:13) How refreshing, how thrilling that will be ager so many centuries of injustice, suffering, heartache and tears! With God's will being done over all the earth and with righteous conditions established, a time of unprecedented happiness will be ushered in. The Bible foretells: "The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." (Psalm37:11) It is no wonder that Jesus called it "Paradise." - LUKE 23:43. 

Next time: Are We Nearing Armageddon? - The Coming "Great Tribulation" 

From the jw.org publications

Are We Nearing Armageddon?

 "Then there will be great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. - MATTHEW 24:21. 

THE word "Armageddon" rings ominously in the ears of many people. Some understand it to be the "end of the world" when all human life will be destroyed and the earth made uninhabitable, perhaps by means of a nuclear war between nations. True, the English word "Armageddon" does denote a cataclysmic event, a war. But the Bible says that is the "war of the great day of God the Almighty," which is fought at a place called "Har-Mageddon." - REVELATION 16;14, 16. 

Could God's war of Armageddon possibly mean the end of all mankind, or the end of this planet? No, not at all. God's own Word assures us: "This is what Jehovah has said, "The Creator of the heavens, He the true God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited." - ISAIAH 45:18. 

Next time: Are We Nearing Armageddon? - Continue

From the jw.org publications

How Did Jesus View Politics?

 Political activist. Note what happened days before Jesus was put to death. Disciples of the Pharisees, who favored independence from the Roman Empire, joined by Herodians, members of a political party favoring Rome approached Jesus. They wanted to force him to take a political position. They asked if the Jews should pay taxes to Rome. 

Mark recorded Jesus' response: "Why do you put me to the test? Bring me a denarius to look at.' They brought one. And he said to them: 'Whose image and inscription is this?' They said to him: 'Caesars.' Jesus then said: 'Pay back Caesar's thing to Caesar, but God things to God.' " (Mark 12:13-17) Commenting on the reason for Jesus' response, the book Church and State-The Story of Two Kingdoms concludes: "He refused to act the part of a political messiah and carefully established both the boundary of Caesar and that of God. 

Problems such poverty, corruption, and injustice did not leave Christ unmoved. In fact, the Bible shows that he was deeply touched by the pitiful state of the people around him. (Mark 6:33, 34) Still, Jesus did not start a campaign to rid the world of injustices, although some tried hard to get him embroiled i the controversial issues of the day. 

Clearly, as these examples show, Jesus refused to get involved in political affairs. But what about Christians today? They don't get involved either.  They stay neutral. That is what Jehovah wants. 

Next time: Are We Nearing Armageddon? 

From the jw.org publications 

How Did Jesus View Politics?

 THE Gospel writers describe several events in Jesus' ministry that brought him face-to-face with politics. For instance, shortly after Jesus' baptism at about the age of 30, the Devil offered him the position of world ruler. Later in his ministry, a crowd wanted to make him their king. Still, later, people tried to turn him into a political activist. How did Jesus react? Let us consider these events. 

World ruler.  The Gospels state that the Devil offered Jesus rulership over "all the kingdoms of the world." Think how much good Jesus could have done for suffering mankind if he had wielded the power of a world ruler! What politically oriented individual sincerely concerned with mankind's advancement could resist such an offer? But Jesus refused it. - MATTHEW 4:8-11.

King. Many of Jesus' contemporaries were desperate for a ruler who could solve their economic problems. Impressed by Jesus' abilities, the people wanted Jesus to join the political process. What was his reaction? Gospel writer John states: Jesus, knowing they were about to come to and seize him to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain all alone." (John 6:10-15) Clearly, Jesus refused to become involved in politics. 

Next time: How Did Jesus View Politics?

From the jw.org publications 

Defending Our Faith - What About Slanderous Publicity?

 At times, Jehovah's Witnesses have been the target of distorted information in the media. For example, on August 1, 1997, a Russian newspaper published a slanderous article claiming, among other things, that Witnesses categorically require members to 'reject their wives, husbands and parents if these do not understand and do not share their faith.' Anyone who is truly acquainted with Jehovah's Witnesses knows that the charge is false. The Bible indicates that Christians are to treat unbelieving family members with love and respect, and Witnesses endeavor to follow that direction. (1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter3:1-4) Even so, the article printed, and many readers were thus misinformed. How can we defend our faith when we are falsely accused? 

Here again, this is "a time to keep quiet and a time to speak." The Watchtower once expressed it this way: "Whether we ignore false information in the medic or defend the truth by appropriate means depends of the circumstances, the instigator of the criticism, and his goal." In some cases it might be best to ignore negative reports, thus not giving further publicity to the lies.

In other cases it may be "a time to speak." A responsible   journalist or reporter may have been misinformed about Jehovah's Witnesses and may welcome truthful information about us. (See box "Correcting a Misrepresentation.")  If negative reports in the media arouse prejudice that hinders our preaching work, representatives of the branch office of the Watch Tower Society may take the initiative to defend the truth by suitable means. For example, qualified elders might be assigned to present the facts, as in a TV program, where failure to appear might imply that Jehovah's Witnesses have no answer. Individual Witnesses wisely cooperate with the direction of the Watch Tower Society and its representatives in such matters. - HEBREWS 13:17.

Next time: How Did Jesus View Politics?

From the jw.org publications 

Defending Our Faith - When to Keep Quiet, When to Speak - Conclusion

 This, of course, does not mean that we do not defend our faith. After all, there is also "a time to speak." We are rightly concerned about sincere people who have been exposed to defamatory criticism of us. We are willing to give a clear explanation of our heartfelt convictions to others; indeed, we welcome the opportunity. Peter wrote: "Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect." (1Peter 3:15) When genuinely interested individuals ask for proof for the beliefs we hold dear, when they inquire about the false charges raised by opposers, it is our responsibility to defend our faith, providing sound Bible answers. In addition, our fine conduct can speak volumes. As open-minded observers note that we truly try to live in harmony with God's righteous standards, they can readily see that the charges made against us are false. 

Next time: Defending Our Faith - What About Slanderous Publicity?

From the jw.org publications 

Defending Our Faith - When to Keep Quiet, When to Speak - Continue

 How, then, should we respond when we are approached?  That all depends upon the circumstances. Some situations call for us to apply the principle that there is "a time to keep quiet." Especially is this so when determined opposers try to draw us into pointless arguments. We must not forget that some people simple do not want to know the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) Endeavoring to reason with those whose hearts are proudly fixed in unbelief is fruitless. More than that, were we to immerse ourselves in debating every false accuser who attacks us, we could become sidetracked from a far more important and rewarding activity-that of helping honesthearted one who really want to learn Bible truth. So when confronted with antagonists who are bent on spreading lies about us the inspired advice is: "Avoid them." - ROMANS 16:17, 18; MATTHEW 7:6. 

Next time: Defending Our Faith - When to Keep Quiet, When to Speak - Continue

From the jw.org publications