WHEN DOES THE THIRD MILLENNIUM BEGIN?

Will Their Millennial Hopes Be Dashed?

Nevertheless, some religious fundamentalist have great expectations for the year 2000. They believe that during the next few months, portions of the book of Revelation will have a literal fulfillment. Indeed, they see themselves as sharing personally in that fulfillment. For example, they point to the prophecy recorded at Revelation 11:3, 7, 8, which tells of two witnesses who prophesy in a "great city which is in a spiritual sense called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also impaled." When they finish their witnessing, the two witnesses are killed by a ferocious wild beast that comes out of an abyss.

According to the report in The New York Times Magazine of December 27, 1998, the leader of one religious group "has foretold followers he is one of the two witnesses who is fated to announce the destruction of the earth and coming of the Lord-and then be slain by Satan in the streets of Jerusalem." Israeli authorities are understandably worried. They fear that certain extremists may try to "fulfill" the prophecy on their own-even if that means provoking an armed conflict! However, God does not need man's "help" to bring his purpose to fruition. All of the Bible's prophecies will be fulfilled in God's own time and in God's own way.

The book of Revelation was written "in signs." According to Revelation 1:1, Jesus wanted to reveal to "his slaves" (not the world in general) what would shortly take place. To understand the book of Revelation, Christ's slaves, or followers, would need God's holy spirit, which Jehovah gives to those who please him. If the book of Revelation is to be understood literally, even faithless people could read it and understand it. Then there would be no need for Christians to pray for holy spirit in order to understand it. -Matthew 13:10-15.

We have seen that according to Biblical evidence, the third millennium from Jesus' birth begins in the fall of 1999 and that neither the date nor January 1, 2000, nor January 1, 2001, has any special significance. Still, there is a millennium that deeply interests Christians. If not the third millennium, which one? The final article in this series will answer this question.

Next time: PREPARE FOR THE MILLENNIUM THAT MATTERS!

Watchtower, 1999

The Power of Prayer

A Time for Spiritual Healing

God promises to heal mankind of all physical, mental and emotional maladies during the Thousand Year Reign of his Son over the earth. (Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3-5. Sincere Christians eagerly await this promised future, with full faith in God's power to make it a reality. While not expecting such miraculous healing now, they pray to God for his comfort and strength to cope with trials. (Psalm 55:22) When they fall sick, they may also pray for God's guidance in obtaining the best medical treatment within their economic means.

Some religions encourage the sick to pray to be healed now, pointing to the miraculous cures that Jesus and his apostles performed. But such miracles were done for a special purpose. They served to prove that Jesus Christ was the true Messiah and to show that God's favor had been transferred from the Jewish nation to the young Christian congregation. Back then, miraculous gifts were needed to strengthen the faith of the newly established Christian congregation. When the infant congregation got on its feet, as it were, and became mature, the miraculous gifts were "done away with." -1 Corinthians 13:8, 11.

At this crucial time, Jehovah God is directing his worshipers in the more important work of spiritual healing. While they yet have time, people desperately need to respond to this appeal: "Search for Jehovah, you people, while he may be found. Call to him while he proves to be near. Let the wicked man leave his way, and harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." - Isaiah 55:6, 7.

This spiritual healing of repentant sinners is being accomplished through the preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) By empowering his servants to carry out his lifesaving work, Jehovah God is helping millions of people from all nations to repent of their sins and come into a favorable relationship with him before the end of this wicked system. All who sincerely pray for such spiritual healing and all who pray for help to perform this healing work are indeed having their prayers answered.

Next time:God Does Answer Prayers

Watchtower,2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Conclusion of Early Life and Influences

Jesus was raised by God-fearing parents who cared for him. His mother, Mary, was an outstanding woman. Recall that when greeting her, the angel Gabriel said: "Good day, highly favored one, Jehovah is with you." (Luke 1:28) Joseph too was a devout man. Each year he faithfully made the 90-mile journey to Jerusalem for the Passover. Mary also attended, even though only males were required to do so. (Exodus 23:17; Luke 2:41) On one such occasion, Joseph and Mary, after a diligent search, found 12-year old Jesus in the temple in the midst of the teachers. To his worried parents, Jesus said: "Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?" (Luke 2:49) "Father" -that word must have had a warm and positive connotation to young Jesus. For one thing, he evidently had been told that Jehovah was his real Father. In addition, Joseph must have been a good adoptive father to Jesus. Surely Jehovah would not have selected a harsh or cruel man to raise his dear Son!

During his last years in Nazareth, Jesus learned the carpentry trade, likely from his adoptive father, Joseph. Jesus so mastered the craft that he himself was called "the carpenter." (Mark 6:3) In Bible times, carpenters were employed in building houses, constructing furniture (including tables and making farming implements. In his Dialogue With Trypho, Justin Martyr, of the second century C.E., wrote of Jesus: "He was in the habit of working as a carpenter when among men, making ploughs and yokes." Such work was not easy, for the ancient carpenter probably could not buy his wood. More likely, he went out and selected a tree, swung his ax,and carried the wood home. So Jesus may have known the challengers of earning a living, dealing with customers and making ends meet.

As the oldest son, Jesus probably helped to care for the family, particularly since it appears that Joseph died before Jesus. Zion's Watchtower of January 1, 1900, said: "Tradition declares that Joseph died while Jesus was yet young, and that the latter took up the carpenter's trade and became the support of the family. this finds some support in the Scriptural testimony where Jesus himself is called a carpenter, and his mother and brethren are mentioned, but Joseph is ignored. (Mark 6:3) . . . It is quite probable,then,that the long periods of eighteen years of our Lord's life, from the time of the incident [recorded at Luke 2:41-49] to the time of his baptism, was spent in the performance of the ordinary duties of life." Mary and her children, including Jesus,likely knew the a pain that results when a beloved husband and father dies.

Clearly, Jesus was not born into a cushioned life. Rather, he experienced firsthand the life of ordinary people. Then, in 29 C.E., the time came for Jesus to carry out the divine assignment awaiting him. In the fall of that year, he was baptized in water and was begotten as a spiritual Son of God. 'The heavens were opened up to him,' evidently indicating that he could now recall his prehuman life in heaven, including the thoughts and feelings that went with it. (Luke 3:21, 22) So when Jesus embarked on his ministry, it was with knowledge, insight and depth of feeling that no other man could have had. With good reason, the Gospel writers devoted most of their writings to the events of Jesus' ministry. Even so, they could not record everything he said and did. (John 21:25) But what they were inspired to record enables us to peer into the mind of the greatest man who ever lived.

Next time: What Jesus Was Like as a Person

Watchtower, 2000

HEED THE WARNING!

Once You Have Fled, Stay Away

It is one things to flee from the endangered system, but it is quite another to remain in the protective care of "the whole association of brothers." (1 Peter 2:17) Let us not forget the farmers who, after being evacuated, went back to check their fields near Mount Fugen. Probably they were anxious to return to the "normal" life they used to have. But you realize that their decision to go back was unwise. Perhaps that was not their first attempt to crossing the line. They might have stayed a little longer, and still nothing happened. Likely, they soon became accustomed to crossing the protective line and were emboldened to linger in the endangered area.

Jesus Christ referred to a similar situation that would occur during "the conclusion of the system of things." He said: "As they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking., men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note unto the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be." -Matthew 24:3,38, 39.

Notice that Jesus mentioned eating, drinking and getting married. None of those things are in themselves wrong in Jehovah's eyes. What was wrong then? The people of Noah's day "took no note," leading a life centered around their regular routine in a time of emergency, one cannot live a "normal" life.

Once you have fled from or have separated yourself from, the present doomed world, you must fight any urge to go back to take advantage of whatever can be gleaned from it. (1 Corinthians 7:31) You may be able to wander out of the spiritually safe zone and come back unscathed with no one even noticing it. However, that likely will embolden you and lead you to returning to the world again, lingering in it a bit longer. Soon the attitude could develop: "The end won't come today.

Also, think of the three cab drivers who lost their lives waiting for the news reporters and cameramen when the volcanic flow swirled down the slope. Some today may tag along with other who have dared to go back into the world. Whatever the reason, it is clear that being coaxed into returning to the perilous zone is not worth the risk.

All the victims of the eruption of Mount Fugen crossed the safety line and went into the danger zone. Though they expected that the mountain would erupt someday, no one thought that they would be on that day. By observing the sign of the conclusion of the system of things, many expect the day of Jehovah to come sometime but likely not soon. Some even feel that the day could never be "today." Such an attitude is indeed risky.

"Jehovah's day will come as a thief," the apostle Peter warned. We need to be alert, "awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah,: doing our utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace." (2 Peter 3:10-14) After the destruction of the present wicked system of things, a paradise earth under the Kingdom of God awaits. May we never be tempted to venture into the danger zone for whatever reasons our mind might come up with, since the day we cross the line back into the world could be the day of Jehovah.

Take refuge along with Jehovah's people and stay with them.

Next time: GETTING TO KNOW "THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Watchtower, 2000

HEED THE WARNING!

Take Refuge Now

To take refuge by seeking Jehovah, we have to be his friends. What does that involve? The Bible answers: "Do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4) To be friends of God, we must rid ourselves of any emotional attachment to the present wicked world, characterized by a rebellious attitude toward God.

The Bible admonishes us: "Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world-the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life-does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2:15-17) Most people today are motivated by fleshly desires-uncontrolled sexual appetite, greedy pursuit of money, and abusive use of power. But to be in Jehovah's side, one must overcome such desires. -Colossians 3:5-8.

You may have read this journal from time to time, and you might agree with its application of Bible prophecies. Yet, you may hesitate to take the further step of associating with Jehovah's Witnesses. If we are faced with a disaster, however, is it enough just to hear the warning? As we can see from the case of the Mount Fugen eruption, we need to act on the warning. Remember, at least 15 news reporters and cameramen intent on securing a scoop lost their lives. In fact, one photographer died with his finger on the shutter button of his camera. A volcanologist-who had remarked, "If one day I have to die, I want it to be at the edge of a volcano"-lost his life just as he had wished. They were all dedicated to their work and their pursuits. Yet, they paid with their lives-the price of ignoring the warning.

Next time: Continue with Take Refuge Now

Watchtower, 2000

HEED THE WARNING!

STAY OUT OF THE DANGER ZONE!

It is the task of volcanologists to make observations and to weigh the evidence and then to warn about coming volcanic eruptions. (Once Mount Fugen had erupted, the police had to keep people out of the danger zone.) Similarly, Bible students observe the sign of "the conclusion of the system of things." and alert others to the impending danger. -Matthew 24:3.

In the same chapter of the Bible that warns about an impending global catastrophe, we can read this description of preliminary development: "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another . . .Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; and because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off. . . And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations and then the end will come." -Matthew 24:7-14.

We do not need to be news analysts to discern the current fulfillment of this prophecy. Especially since 1914, we have experienced it. This century has seen two world wars, a great number of civil wars, local warfares and racial and religious conflicts. Mankind has suffered food shortages as a result of such wars, in addition to privation caused by natural disasters. Many lives have been swallowed up by earthquakes. Cults and dubious leaders and fanatic followers have sprung up. "The increasing of lawlessness" has turned people away from showing love, and neighborliness is no longer the norm.

The worldwide preaching work, another aspect of the sign, is certainly being accomplished. Just turn back to the cover of this magazine, and you will note the words "Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom" as part of the title. The Watchtower, published in 132 languages and with a circulation of more than 22 million, is a major tool for those who declare "this good news of the kingdom" in all the inhabited earth. That good news includes the message that the Creator of the universe, Jehovah God, has establish the heavenly Kingdom that will destroy the wicked system of things and in a paradise on earth. Indeed, the sign that God will soon take action is observable now, indicating that the lives of people in this system of things are in danger. -Compare 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3, 4; Revelation 6:1-8.

Next time: The Fear-Inspiring Day of Jehovah

Watchtower, 2000

LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

Fitting Use of God's Word

Paul also built in his fellow believers by his skillful use of the Scriptures. For example, he wrote: " 'But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,' and, 'if he shrinks back, my soul had no pleasure in him.' " (Hebrews 10:38) Paul was here quoting from the prophet Habakkuk. These words were likely familiar to Paul's readers, Hebrew Christians to whom the prophetic books were well-known. Considering his goal-to strengthen the faith of Christians in and near Jerusalem around the year 61 C.E.-the example of Habakkuk was an apt choice. Why?

Habakkuk evidently wrote his book just over two decades before the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. In vision, the prophet saw the Chaldeans (or Babylonians), a "nation biter and impetuous," swooping down on Judah and destroying Jerusalem, swallowing up people's and nations in the process. (Habakkuk 1:5-11) But such a calamity had been foretold since Isaiah's day, over a century earlier. In Habakkuk's time, Jehoiakim succeeded good King Josiah, and wickedness again flourished in Judah. Jehoiakim persecuted and even murdered those speaking in Jehovah's name. (2 Chronicles 36:5; Jeremiah 22:17; 26:20-24) It is no wonder that the anguished prophet Habakkuk cried out: "How long, O Jehovah?" -Habakkuk 1:2.

Habakkuk did not know how close the destruction of Jerusalem was. Similarly, the first-century Christians did not know when the Jewish system of things would end. Nor do we know today know the "day and hour" when Jehovah's judgment will come against this wicked system. (Matthew 24:36) Let us note, then, Jehovah's two-fold answer to Habakkuk. First, he assured the prophet that the end would come right on time. "It will not be late," God said, even though from a human standpoint, it might appear to delay. (Habakkuk 2:3) Second, Jehovah reminded Habakkuk: "As for the righteous one, by his faithfulness he will keep living." (Habakkuk 2:4) What beautiful, simple truths! What matters most is, not when the end comes, but whether we continue to live a life of faith.

When Jerusalem was sacked in 607 B.C.E., Jeremiah, his secretary Baruch, Ebed-melech, and the loyal Rechabites saw the truth of Jehovah's promise to Habakkuk. They 'kept living' by escaping the terrible destruction of Jerusalem. Why? Jehovah rewarded their faithfulness. (Jeremiah 35:1-19; 39:15-18; 43:4-7; 45:1-5) Similarly, the first-century Hebrew Christians must have responded well to Paul's counsel, for when the Roman armies attacked Jerusalem in 66 C.E. and then inexplicably withdrew, those Christians faithfully heeded Jesus' warning to flee. (Luke 21:20, 21) They kept living because of their faithfulness. Likewise, we will keep living if we are found faithful when the end comes. what a vital reason for strengthening our faith now!

Next time: Bringing Examples of Faith to Life

Watchtower, 1999

CHRISTMAS IN THE ORIENT

SOME TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO, a prominent Korean scholar visited Peking, China. Starting at a painting on the ceiling of a cathedral, he saw a scene of Mary with the child Jesus in her arms. He said of this startling painting: "A lady held a sickly-looking child, about five or six years old, on her lap. She seemed to have little strength in her neck, as if she couldn't bear to watch her son for pity. And far behind them there were a lot of ghosts and babies with wings flying around. As I stared at them above me, it looked as if they would drop down on me at any moment. Startled, I put my hand out to take them."

THAT occurred long after the Reformation began in Europe, long after the dark era of the Middle Ages. But to most Orientals, Christianity, was as unfamiliar as the painting itself. How that situation has changed! Every Christmas season, scenes of the baby Jesus are featured . The Orient has become used to such scenes , and many streets there now resemble those in Europe.

On the evening of November 25, 1998, a month prior to Christmas, the Champs Elysees in Paris is brightly lit by over 100,000 bulbs in the 300 trees lining that famous avenue. Comparably, on the downtown street in Seoul, Korea, a giant Christmas tree is featured by a major department store and begins to brighten the night in that capital city. Soon its trees are adorned with Christmas decorations.

Television, radio and newpapers present Christmas related programs day after day. Stirred by the Christmas mood, the whole country becomes occupied with welcoming the end of the year. The churches in Seoul, the number of which astonishes may visitors, get decorated in a hurry. Thus, Korea and other countries in the Orient are engulfed by the Christmas spirit about the time the United States is involved in its Thanksgiving Day celebration in late November.

Most countries of the Orient are not considered part of the Christendom. For instance, only 26.3 percent of the population of Korea professes to be Christian. In Hong Kong it is 7.9 percent, in Taiwan 7.4 percent, and in Japan only 1.2 percent. Clearly most Oriental do not practice Christianity, but they seem to have not objection in celebrating Christmas. In fact, they often seem to be more enthusiastic about than their Western counterparts are. Hong Kong, for instance, is well-known for its flamboyant Christmas celebration, even though most of its inhabitants are either Buddhists or Taoists. Even in China, where only0.1 percent professes to be Christian, Christmas is very rapidly gaining in popularity.

Why is Christmas celebrated so widely in the Orient? Why do people who do not accept Jesus as the Messiah join in celebrating Christmas, which most professing Christians view as his birthday? Should true Christians imitate their view of Christmas? We shall find the answers as we consider how Christmas become popularized in Korea, an age-old country of the Orient.

Next time: CHRISTMAS Why Even in the Orient?

Watchtower, 1999

A MILESTONE FOR LOVERS OF GOD'S WORD

Restoring God's Name

An outstanding feature of the New World Translation involved the restoration of God's name, Jehovah. In ancient copies of the Hebrew Bible, the divine name is represented by four consonants that may be transliterated as YHWH or JHVH. This distinctive name appears 7,000 times in the so-called Old Testament alone. (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 83:18) Clearly, our Creator intended his worshipers both to know and to use that name.

However, superstitious fears caused the Jewish people to cease using the divine name. Following the death of Jesus' apostles, copyists of the Greek Scriptures began replacing God's personal name with the Greek words Ky'-ri-os (Lord) or The-os' (God). Sad to say, modern translators have perpetuated this God-dishonoring tradition, eliminating God's name from most Bibles and even concealing that God has a name. For example, at John 17:6 are Jesus' words: "I have made your name manifest." Today's English Version, however, renders this: "I have made you known.

Some scholars defend the elimination of the divine name because its exact pronunciation is unknown. However, such familiar Bible names as Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Jesus are routinely rendered in ways that bear little resemblance to their original Hebrew pronunciation. Since the form Jehovah is a legitimate way of rendering the divine name-and one familiar to many people-objections to using it ring hollow.

The New World Bible Translation Committee took the bold step of using the name Jehovah in both the Hebrew and Greek portions of Scripture. They had a precedent for this in early missionary translations for people in Central America, the South Pacific, and the Orient. Such use of God's name is not merely of academic interest, however. Knowing God's name is critical to coming to know him as a person. (Exodus 34:6, 7) The New World Translation has encouraged millions of readers to use his name!

Next time: Reaching Non-English Readers

Watchtower,1999

Learning the Excelling Way of LOVE

Continued Effort Required

Learning to feel and to show love toward others is an ongoing process. Doing so requires so much effort on our part because we have to work hard to overcome our own imperfections as well as to resist the strong influence of this loveless world. However, the rich rewards this brings makes it really worthwhile. -Matthew 24:12.

Even in this very imperfect world, we can enjoy improved relations with our fellowmen, resulting in much joy, peace and satisfaction to ourselves and to others. By making such an effort, we can prove ourselves worthy of the wonderful hope of living forever in God's new world. Above all, by learning the excelling way of love, we may gain the approval and blessings of our loving Creator, both now and for eternity!

Next time: FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART

Watchtower, 1999

YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!

A WISE man once wrote: "Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty." (Proverbs 24:10) If you have ever been discouraged, you will likely agree with that statement.

No one is immune to the effects of discouragement. A mild bout of discouragement may last for a day or two and then subside. But when hurt feelings or resentment are involved, the problem may persist much longer. Some Christians who have been faithful for years have become so disheartened that they have even stopped attending congregation meetings and sharing in the field ministry.

If you feel discouraged, take heart! Faithful servants in times past successfully coped with discouragement, and with God's help, so can you.

Next time: When Others Hurt Your Feelings

Watchtower, 2001

ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?

Modern Examples of Dedication

In modern times, thousands of thousands of faithful Christians have zealously stuck to their dedication in spite of not surviving to witness Armageddon. One such individual was Ernest E. Beavor of England. He became a Witness in 1939 at the beginning of World War II, and he gave up a flourishing press photography business in order to take up the full-time ministry. Because of maintaining his Christian neutrality, he went to prison for two years. His family stood by him and in 1950 his three children attended the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead for missionary training, in New York. Brother Beavor was so zealous in his preaching activity that friends called him Armageddon Ernie. He loyally lived up to his dedication, and right down to his death in 1986, he proclaimed the imminence of God's war of Armageddon. He did not view his dedication as a limited-time contract with God! -1 Corinthians 15:58.

Another example of undiminished zeal comes from Spain. During the Franco regime (1939-75), hundreds of dedicated young Witnesses took a stand as Christian neutrals. Many of them spent ten years or more in military prisons. One Witness, Jesus Martin, even accumulated sentences that amounted to 22 years in prison. He was severely beaten while being held in a military prison in North Africa. None of this was easy, but he refused to compromise.

Most of the time, these young men had no idea when, if ever, they would be released, for they were subject to multiple, consecutive sentences. Yet, they kept their integrity and maintained their zeal for the ministry while in captivity. When the situation finally began to improve in 1973, many of these Witnesses, then in their early 30's were released from prison and went straight into the full-time ministry, some becoming special pioneers and traveling overseers. They lived up to their dedication in prison, and most have continued to do so since their release. What about us today? Are we being faithful to our dedication like these loyal ones? -Hebrews 10:32-34; 13:3.

Next time: Proper View of Our Dedication

Watchtower, 2001