Holy Spirit in Our Day
Holy spirit has likewise been working in behalf of true Christians in our day. This became evident to a small group of Bible students in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., in the later half of the 19th century. These earnest students of the Bible yearned to know "the truth." -John 8:32; 16:13.
One member of this group, Charles Taze Russell, said regarding his quest for Scriptural truth: "I prayed . . . that I might be enabled to rid my heart and mind of any prejudice that might stand in the way and be led of his spirit into the proper understanding." God blessed this humble prayer.
As Russell and his associates diligently searched the Scriptures, a number of things became clear. "We found that for centuries," explained Russell, "various sects and parties had split up the Bible doctrines amongst them, blending them with more or less of human speculation and error." This resulted in what he called "the misplacement of the truth." Indeed, Scriptural truths were buried under a collection of pagan teachings that had infiltrated Christendom over the centuries. But Russell was determined to know and declare the truth.
Next time: Conclusion of Holy Spirit in Our Day
Watchtower, 2000
Showing posts with label A Book From God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Book From God. Show all posts
6.10.2011
THE BIBLE-A Textbook for Living
A Book That Gives Purpose
The Author of the Bible, Jehovah God, is 'familiar with all our ways.' He knows more about our physical, emotional and spiritual needs than even we do. (Psalm 139:1-3) Thoughtfully, he sets clear limits for human behavior. (Micah 6:8) It makes sense to seek to understand those limits and directions and learn to live by them. Happy is the man whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah," says the psalmist. "Everything he does will succeed." (Psalm 1:1-3) Such a prospect surely merits our examination.
Maurice, a retired schoolteacher, always believed that the Bible had some historical and literary value. Yet, he was skeptical about its being divinely inspired. After listening to an explanation of why God gave his written Word to humans, Maurice examined various Bible prophecies. As a young man, he had studied ancient history, literature, science and geography. He admits that he was too clever in his own eyes to see the numerous examples in support of the Bible's authenticity. "I was caught up in the blind race for ease, wealth and the pleasures of life. Unfortunately, I remained uninformed and ignorant to the beauty and veracity of the greatest book ever written."
Now in his 70's, Maurice, alluding to the account about Jesus' appearance to the apostle Thomas, says appreciatively: "My hand has been guided to the 'bleeding wound' which will forever banish from my mind all doubt that the Bible is anything but the truth." (John 20:24-29) As the apostle Paul rightly said, the Bible exposes the intentions of the heart, and it gives meaning to life. It is truly a textbook for living.
Next time: Adding Stability to a Troubled Life
Watchtower, 2000
The Author of the Bible, Jehovah God, is 'familiar with all our ways.' He knows more about our physical, emotional and spiritual needs than even we do. (Psalm 139:1-3) Thoughtfully, he sets clear limits for human behavior. (Micah 6:8) It makes sense to seek to understand those limits and directions and learn to live by them. Happy is the man whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah," says the psalmist. "Everything he does will succeed." (Psalm 1:1-3) Such a prospect surely merits our examination.
Maurice, a retired schoolteacher, always believed that the Bible had some historical and literary value. Yet, he was skeptical about its being divinely inspired. After listening to an explanation of why God gave his written Word to humans, Maurice examined various Bible prophecies. As a young man, he had studied ancient history, literature, science and geography. He admits that he was too clever in his own eyes to see the numerous examples in support of the Bible's authenticity. "I was caught up in the blind race for ease, wealth and the pleasures of life. Unfortunately, I remained uninformed and ignorant to the beauty and veracity of the greatest book ever written."
Now in his 70's, Maurice, alluding to the account about Jesus' appearance to the apostle Thomas, says appreciatively: "My hand has been guided to the 'bleeding wound' which will forever banish from my mind all doubt that the Bible is anything but the truth." (John 20:24-29) As the apostle Paul rightly said, the Bible exposes the intentions of the heart, and it gives meaning to life. It is truly a textbook for living.
Next time: Adding Stability to a Troubled Life
Watchtower, 2000
5.18.2011
Faith Can Change Your Life
IT MOST certainly is possible to have good values without a God." This was the assertion of an agnostic. She said that she had raised her children with high moral values, and they, in turn, had brought up their children with similar high standards-all without faith in God.
Does this mean that faith in God is unnecessary? Evidently this person thought so. And it is true that everyone who does not believe in God is not necessarily a bad person. The apostle Paul spoke of "people of the nations" who do not know God but "do by nature the things of the law." (Romans 2:14) All-including agnostics-were born with a conscience even if they do not believe In the God who gave them that innate sense of right and wrong.
However, a solid faith in God-one that is based on the Bible-is a much more powerful force for good than the unaided guidance of the conscience. A faith based on the Word of God, the Bible, informs the conscience, makes it keener in discerning right from wrong. (Hebrews 5:14) Moreover, faith strengthens people to maintain high standards in the face of enormous pressure. For example, during the 20th century, many countries came under the power of corrupt political regimes, which forced apparently decent people to commit terrible atrocities. However, those with true faith in God refuse to compromise their principles, even at the risk of their lives. In addition, a Bible-based faith can change people. It can redeem lives that seem lost and help people avoid serious mistakes. Consider a few examples.
Next time: Faith Can Change Family Life
Watchtower,2000
Does this mean that faith in God is unnecessary? Evidently this person thought so. And it is true that everyone who does not believe in God is not necessarily a bad person. The apostle Paul spoke of "people of the nations" who do not know God but "do by nature the things of the law." (Romans 2:14) All-including agnostics-were born with a conscience even if they do not believe In the God who gave them that innate sense of right and wrong.
However, a solid faith in God-one that is based on the Bible-is a much more powerful force for good than the unaided guidance of the conscience. A faith based on the Word of God, the Bible, informs the conscience, makes it keener in discerning right from wrong. (Hebrews 5:14) Moreover, faith strengthens people to maintain high standards in the face of enormous pressure. For example, during the 20th century, many countries came under the power of corrupt political regimes, which forced apparently decent people to commit terrible atrocities. However, those with true faith in God refuse to compromise their principles, even at the risk of their lives. In addition, a Bible-based faith can change people. It can redeem lives that seem lost and help people avoid serious mistakes. Consider a few examples.
Next time: Faith Can Change Family Life
Watchtower,2000
5.14.2011
A BOOK FROM GOD
IS THE Bible relevant for people living on the brink of the 21st century? Some think not."Nobody would advocate the use of a 1924 edition chemistry text [book] for use in a modern chemistry class-too much has been learned about chemistry since then," wrote Dr. Eli S. Chesen, explaining why he felt that the Bible is outdated. On the surface, this argument seems to make sense. After all, man has learned much about science, mental health and human behavior since Bible times. Therefore, some wonder: 'How could such an ancient book be free from scientific inaccuracies? How could it contain counsel that is practical for modern living?
The Bible itself gives the answer. At 2 Peter 1:21, we are told that the Bible prophets "spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit." The Bible thus indicates that it is a book from God. How, though, can we convince others that this is so? Let us consider three proofs that the Bible is God's Word: ()It is scientifically accurate. (2) It contains timeless principles that are practical for modern living,and (3) It contains specific prophecies that have been fulfilled, as proved by historical facts.
Next time: A Book That Agrees With Science
Watchtower, 1998
The Bible itself gives the answer. At 2 Peter 1:21, we are told that the Bible prophets "spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit." The Bible thus indicates that it is a book from God. How, though, can we convince others that this is so? Let us consider three proofs that the Bible is God's Word: ()It is scientifically accurate. (2) It contains timeless principles that are practical for modern living,and (3) It contains specific prophecies that have been fulfilled, as proved by historical facts.
Next time: A Book That Agrees With Science
Watchtower, 1998
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