HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

A Prince Who Dared to Be Different

The contents of the 119th Psalm harmonizes well with what we know of Hezekiah when he was still a young prince. Some Bible scholars suggest that Hezekiah was the writer of the psalm. While this is not certain, we do know that Hezekiah had great respect for God's Word. By this life course, he showed that he was in heart harmony with the words at Psalm 119:97. Of Hezekiah, the Bible states: " He kept sticking to Jehovah. he did not turn aside from following him, but he continued keeping his commandments that Jehovah had commanded Moses." -2 Kings 18:6.

By all accounts, Hezekiah did not grown up in a godly family. His father King Ahaz, was a faithless idolater who had at least one of his sons-Hezekiah's own brother-burned alive as a sacrifice to a false god! (2 Kings 16:3) Despite this bad example, Hezekiah was able to "cleanse his path" of pagan influences by getting acquainted with God's Word. -2 Chronicles 29:2.

As Hezekiah grew up, he saw firsthand how his idolatrous father handled affairs of State. Judah was surrounded by enemies. There was Rezin,m the king of Syria, who joined with King Pekah of Israel in besieging Jerusalem. (2 kings 16:5, 6) There were the Edomites and the Philistines, who made successful forays into Judah and even captured some Judean cities. (2 Chronicles 28:16-19) How did Ahaz deal with these crises? Instead of appealing to Jehovah for help against Syria, Ahaz turned to the king of Asyria, bribing him with gold and silver, including that from the temple treasury. But that did not bring lasting peace to Judah. - 2 Kings 16:6, 8.

Eventually, Ahaz died and Hezekiah became king at 25 years of age. (2 Chronicles 29:1) He was relatively young, but that did not prevent him from becoming a successful king. Rather than imitate the conduct of his unfaithful father, he stuck to Jehovah's Law. This included a special commandment for kings: "When [the king] takes his seat on the throne of his kingdom, he must write in a book for himself a copy of this law from that which is in the charge of the priests, the Levites. And it must continue with him, and he must read in it all the days of his life,in order that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God so as to keep all the word of this law." (Deuteronomy 17:18, 19) By reading God's Word daily, Hezekiah would learn to fear Jehovah and avoid repeating the mistakes of his ungodly father.

Not only were the kings of Israel encouraged to give constant thought to God's Word but all God-fearing Israelites were to do so. The first Psalm describes a truly happy man as one whose "delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night." (Psalm 1:1, 2) Of such a man, the psalmist says: "Everything he does will succeed." (Psalm 1:3) In contrast, of the one lacking faith in Jehovah God, the Bible says: "He is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways." (James 1:8) All of us want to be happy and successful. Regular, meaningful Bible reading can contribute to our happiness.

Next time: God's Word Sustained Jesus

Watchtower, 1999

WHEN DOES THE THIRD MILLENNIUM BEGIN?

Does that matter? For example, would the start of the third millennium mark the beginning of the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ, referred to in the book of Revelation? No. The Bible nowhere indicates any link between the third millennium and the Thousand Year Reign of Christ.

Jesus warned his followers against speculating about dates. He told disciples: "It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction." (Acts 1:7) Earlier, Jesus revealed that even he did not then know when God would execute judgment on this wicked system, paving he way for Christ's Millennial Rule. He said: "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens n or the Son, but only the Father." -Matthew 24:36.

Is it reasonable to expect that Christ will return exactly 2,000 years from the date of his birth as a human? No, it is not. Jesus must have known the date of his own birth. And he certainly knew how to count 2,000 years from that date. Yet, he did not know the day and hour of his coming. Obviously, it would not be that simple to pinpoint the date of his return! The 'times and seasons' were in the Father's jurisdiction-the time-table his alone to know.

Furthermore, Jesus did not command his followers to wait for him a specific geographic location. He told them, not to gather together and wait, but to scatter to "the most distant part of the earth" and make disciples of people of all the nations. He has never rescinded that command. -Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20.

Next time: Will Their Millennial Hopes Be Dashed?

Watchtower, 1999

2000 A MARKED YEAR?

IS THERE anything special about the year 2000? People living in Western lands generally view it as the first year of the third millennium. Elaborate preparations to celebrate it are underway. Huge electronic clocks are being installed to count off the seconds until the new millennium dawns. Gala New Year's Eve balls are being organized. T-shirts bearing end-of-millennium slogans are being hawked at country stores as well as in big-city shopping malls.

Churches, large and small, will be joining in the year-long festivities. Early next year, Pope John Paul II is expected to travel to Israel to lead Roman Catholics in what has been called. "the Roman Catholic Churches jubilee celebration of the millennium." It is estimated that between two and a half million and six million tourists, from the devout to the curious, are planning to visit Israel next year.

Why are so many people planning to visit Israel? Speaking for the pope, Roger Cardinal Etchegaray, a Vatican official, said: "The year 2000 is a celebration of Christ and his life in this land. Therefore it is only natural that the Pope would come here." How is the year 2000 connected with Christ? The year 2000 is commonly thought to mark exactly 2,000 years from the birth of Christ. But does it? We shall see.

The year 2000 is even more significant to members of some religious groups. They are convinced that with the next year or so, Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives and the battles of Armageddon, spoken of in the book of Revelation, will be fought in the valley of Megiddo. (Revelation 16:14-16) In the anticipation of these events, hundreds of U.S. residents are selling their homes and most of their belongings and are moving to Israel. For the benefit of any who cannot leave their homes, a prominent U.S. evangelist has reportedly promised to broadcast the return of Jesus on television-in color!

In Western lands, plans to usher in the third millennium are intensifying. People in other lands, however, are going about their business. These people-the majority of the world's population-do not believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. Neither do they necessarily accept the B.C.-A.D. style of dating. Many Muslims, for example, use their own calendar, according to which next year will be 1420-not 2000. Muslims number the years from the date the prophet Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina. All in all, people worldwide use some 40 different calenders.

Should the year 2000 have meaning for Christians? Is January 1, 200, really a red-letter day? These questions will be answered in the following article.

Next time: WHEN DOES THE THIRD MILLENNIUM BEGIN?

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Maintaining a Good Attitude

Having clearly in mind the goals set by Jesus will help us not to become discouraged in the face of indifference in the ministry. Christ wanted his disciples to search out deserving ones, not to perform mass conversions. On several occasions he pointed out that the vast majority would not accept the good news, just as most Israelites did not listen to the prophets of old. -Ezekiel 9:4; Matthew 10:11-15; Mark 4:14-20.

The "good news of the kingdom" is received with gratitude by individuals "conscious of their spiritual need." (Matthew 5:3; 24:14) They want to serve God in the way that he specifies. Hence the results of our activity are related more to the heart condition of the people than to our aptitude for presenting the message. Of course, we need to do our best to make the good news appealing. Yet, the results depend on God, for Jesus said: "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him." -John6:44.

Our evangelizing work makes Jehovah's name known. Whether people listen or not, our preaching activity contributes to the sanctification of Jehovah's holy name. Furthermore, by means of our evangelizing work, we prove that we are Christ's disciples, and we have the privilege of sharing in the most important mission being carried out in our day. -Matthew 6:9; John 15:8.

Next time: Discouragement and Relationships

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Discouragement in Our Evangelizing Work

Jesus Christ was aware of the difficulties associated with the commission to make disciples. (Matthew 28:19, 20) He sent his followers forth as "sheep amidst wolves," knowing that their preaching activity would being persecution upon them. (Matthew 10:16-23) Yet, this was not a reason for them to become discouraged. In fact, God's servants who have prayerfully relied on Jehovah have often been strengthened by persecution. -Acts 4:2--31; 5:41, 42.

Even when Christ's disciples were not suffering intense persecution, they were not always favorably received. (Matthew 10:11-15) Likewise, the preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses is not always performed with ease today. To many people, belief in God is a personal matter that they do not wish to discuss. Others want nothing to do with a religious organization toward which they have certain prejudices. Without a doubt, indifference, the lack of results, or various other problems can be formidable sources of discouragement. How can these obstacles be overcome?

Next time: Obtaining Better Results

Watchtower, 1999

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

"To Deliver You From the Bad Way"

In what way will wisdom, knowledge, thinking ability and discernment prove to be a safeguard? "[They are] to deliver you from the bad way," says Solomon, "from the man, speaking perverse things, from those living the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, from those who are rejoicing in doing bad, who are joyful in the perverse things of badness; those whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their general course." -Proverbs 2:2-15.

Yes, those who cherish true wisdom avoid association with anyone "speaking perverse things," That is, things contrary to what is true and right. Thinking ability and discernment furnish protection against those who reject the truth only to walk in the ways of darkness and against those who are devious and who find pleasures in evil deeds. -Proverbs 3:32.

How grateful we can be that true wisdom and its associated qualities also protect us from the bad way of immoral men and women! Solomon adds that these qualities are "to deliver you from the strange woman, from the foreign woman, who has made her own sayings smooth, who is leaving the confidential friend of her youth and who has forgotten the very covenant of her God. For down to death her house does sink and down to those impotent in death her tracks. None of those having relations with her will come back, nor will they regain the paths of those living." -Proverbs 2:16-19.

"The strange woman," the prostitute, is portrayed as one who leaves "the confidential friend of her youth" -likely the husband of he young womanhood. (Compare Malachi 2:14) She has forgotten the prohibition on adultery that was a part of the Law covenant. (Exodus 20:14) Her tracks are leading to death. Those having company with her might never "regain the paths of those living," since sooner or later they may reach a point of no return, namely death, from which they cannot come back. A man of discernment and thinking ability is aware of the lures of immorality and wisely avoids getting entangled in them.

Next time: 'The Upright Will Reside in the Earth'

Watchtower, 1999

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

When "Knowledge Itself Becomes Pleasant"

Personal study of the Bible-as essential requirement for seeking wisdom-is not necessarily a pleasant prospect for many people. For example, 58-year old Lawrence says: "I have always worked with my hands. Studying is hard for me." And 24-years old Michael, who did not enjoy studying in school says: "I had to force myself to sit down and study." Yet, a desired to study can be cultivated.

Consider what Michael did. He relates: "I disciplined myself to study for a half hour every day. Soon I could see the effect on my attitude, my comments at Christian meetings, and my conversations with others. Now I look forward to my study periods, and I hate to have anything interfere with them." Yes, personal study becomes an acquired taste when we see the progress we make. Lawrence too applied himself to Bible study and, in time, came to serve as an elder in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

To make personal study and enjoyable experience requires consistent effort. The benefits, though, are great. "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul," says Solomon, "thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you." -Proverbs 2:10, 11.

Next time: "To Deliver You From the Bad Way

Watchtower, 1999

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

You Will Not Fail

Often, a search for buried gems, gold or silver proves fruitless. This does not have to be the case with the search for spiritual treasures. Why not? "Jehovah himself gives wisdom," Solomon assures us, "out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment." -Proverbs 2:6.

King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:30-32) The Scriptures reveal that he had knowledge of a variety of subjects, including plants, animals, human nature and God's Word. The discernment he displayed as a young king in settling the dispute between two women, each claiming to be the mother of the same child, helped to bring him international fame. (1 Kings 3:16-28) What was the source of his great learning? Solomon prayed to Jehovah for "wisdom and knowledge" and the ability "to discern between good and bad." Jehovah granted him these. -2 Chronicles 1:10-12; 1 Kings 3:9.

We too should pray for Jehovah's help as we diligently study his Word. The psalmist prayed: "Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name." (Psalm 86:11) Jehovah approved of that prayer, for he had it recorded in the Bible. We can be confident that our earnest and frequent prayers for his help to find spiritual treasured in the Bible will not go unanswered. -Luke 18:1-8.

Solomon points out: "For the upright ones he will treasure up practical wisdom; for those walking in integrity he is a shield, by observing the paths of judgment, and he will guard the very way of his loyal ones. In that case you will understand righteousness and judgment and uprightness, the entire course of what is good." (Proverbs 2:7-9) What a reassurance this is! Jehovah not only gives true wisdom to those who sincerely seek it but also proves to be a protective shield for the upright ones because they manifest true wisdom and loyally conform to his righteous standards. May we be among those whom Jehovah helps to understand "the entire course of what is good."

Next time: When "Knowledge Itself Becomes Pleasant"

Watchtower, 1999

"Jehovah Himself Gives Wisdom"

Will You Put Forth the Effort?

A major factor in the pursuit of wisdom is the diligent study of the Bible. This study, though, should be much more than reading simply for the sake of getting information. Purposeful meditation on what we read is an essential part of studying the Scriptures. Gaining wisdom and discernment involves pondering over how we can use what we are learning in solving problems and in making decisions. Acquiring understanding calls for contemplating how the new material fits in with what we already know. Who will deny that such a relative study of the Bible requires time and energetic effort? The investment of time and energy is spent when 'seeking for silver and searching for hid treasures.' Will you 'buy out the opportune time' to do so? -Ephesians 5:15, 16.

Consider what great treasures await us if we with an honest heart dig deep into the Bible. why, we would find "the very knowledge of God" -the sound, stable life-giving knowledge of our Creator! (John 17:3) "The fear of Jehovah" is also a treasure to gain. How valuable this reverential awe of him is! The healthy fear of displeasing him must govern every aspect of our life, adding a spiritual dimension to all that we do. -Ecclesiastes 12:13.

A keen desire to search and dig for spiritual treasured should be burning within us to facilitate our search,Jehovah had provided excellent digging tools-the timely journals of truth The Watchtower and Awake! , as well as other Bible-based publications. (Matthew 24:45-47) For our education in his Word and ways, Jehovah has also provided Christian meetings. We need to attend these regularly, give ear to what is being said, put forth earnest effort to concentrate on and treasure up key thoughts, and think deeply about our relationship with Jehovah. -Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Next time: You Will Not Fail

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Our Whole Obligation to God

Summing up his entire investigation, the congregator, Solomon says: "The conclusion of he matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man. For the true God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether is is good or bad." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14) A wholesome fear of, or reverential regard for, our Grand Creator will protect us, and hopefully, our families from pursuing a foolhardy course of life that could bring untold trouble and sorrow upon us and our loved ones. The wholesome fear of Gd is pure and is the very beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Psalm 19:9; Proverbs 1:7) If we possess insight based on God's inspired Word and apply its counsel in all things, we will be fulfilling our "whole obligation" to God. No, it is not a matter of making a list of obligations. Rather, what is required is that we look to the Scriptures when resolving life's problems and always do things God's way.

We should realize that nothing escapes the notice of our Grand Creator. (Proverbs 15:3) He "will bring every sort of work into the judgment." Yes, the Most High will judge all things, including those hidden from human eyes. Awareness of such factors can serve as an incentive to observing God's commandment. But the greatest incentive should be love for our heavenly Father, for the apostle John wrote: "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome." ( 1 John 5:3) And since God's commandments are designed to promote our lasting welfare, surely it is not only proper but also truly wise to observe them. This is not burden for lovers of the Grand Creator. They want to fulfill their obligation to him.


Next time: Fulfill Your Whole Obligation

Watchtower,1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Dedication and Our Obligation to God

Some baptized Christians need to pray earnestly because they are not living up to the ministerial obligations they assumed when they made a dedication to God. Annually, well over 300,000 have been baptized for a number of years now, but the overall number of active Witnesses of Jehovah had not kept pace. Some who became Kingdom publishers have ceased to proclaim the good news. Yet, individuals must have a meaningful share in the Christian ministry before they are baptized. So they are aware of the commission Jesus gave to all his followers: "Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) Unless they have the most extraordinary limitations because of health, or other factors beyond their control, baptized individuals who are no longer serving as active Witnesses of God and Christ are not living up to their whole obligation before our Grand Creator. -Isaiah 43:10-12.

Ancient Israel was a nation dedicated to God, and under the Law covenant, its people had obligations before Jehovah. For instance, all males were to assemble for three annual festivals, and a man who deliberately did not keep the Passover was "cut off" in death. (Numbers 1:13; Leviticus 23:1-43; Deuteronomy 16:16) To fulfill their obligation to God as his dedicated people, the Israelites had to gather for worship. (Deuteronomy 31:10-13) Nothing in the Law said, 'Do this if you can and fit it into your life.' For those now dedicated to Jehovah, surely this adds weight to Paul's words: "Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together,as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Yes, regularly assembling with fellow believers is part of a dedicated Christian's obligation to God.

Next time: Weigh Your Decisions Carefully!

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Is Everything Vanity?

Some may think that the wise man's words are not very encouraging to anybody -young or old. "The greatest vanity!" said the congregator, 'Everything is vanity.' " (Ecclesiastes 12:8) Actually, it is the very height of vanity to ignore the Grand Creator in youth, to grow old without serving him and to have only advanced age to show for a long life. All has been vanity, or emptiness, for such a person, even if he dies with wealth and fame in this world that is lying in the power of the wicked one, Satan the Devil. -1 John 5:19.

Not everything is vanity for those who lay up treasured in heaven as Jehovah's faithful servants. (Matthew 6:19, 20) They have plenty to do in the rewarding work of the Lord, and such labors definitely are not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58) But if we are dedicated Christians, are we keeping busy in God-assigned work in these last days? (2 Timothy 3:1) Or have we settled into a life-style that differs from that of our neighbors in general? They may be associated with various religions and may be quite devout, attending their houses of worship regularly and trying to carry out what their form of worship requires of them. Of course, they are not proclaimers of the Kingdom message. They do not have accurate knowledge of that this is "the time of the end" and have not sense of urgency about the days in which we are living. -Daniel 12:4.

Jesus Christ said of our critical times: "Just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For 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 until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be." (Matthew 24:37-39) In moderation, there is nothing wrong with eating and drinking and marriage is an arrangement originated by God himself. (Genesis 2:20-24) Yet, if we realize that the normal pursuits of life have become our chief concern, why not make this a matter of prayer? Jehovah can help us to keep Kingdom interests firs, do what is right, and fulfill our obligation to him. -Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 13:7.

Next time: Dedication and Our Obligation to God

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

What Future for Those Who Remember?

Solomon very effectively showed how important it is to remember our Grand Creator. Surely, a comparatively short and troubled life is not all there is for those who keep Jehovah on in mind and wholeheartedly do his will. Whether they are young or old, they have the same attitude as that of Moses, who prayed: "Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in." God's humble prophet earnestly desired that Jehovah show, or teach, him and the people of Israel to exercise wisdom in valuing 'the days of their years' and using them in a God-approved manner. -Psalm 90:10, 12.

Especially should Christian youths be determined to heed the congregator's counsel to bear the Creator in mind. What splendid opportunities they have to render sacred service to God! Regardless of our age, however, if we learn to count our days to Jehovah's glory in this "time of the end," we may be able to keep right on counting them forever. (Daniel 12:4; John 17:3) To do so, of course, we must remember our Grand Creator. We must fulfill our whole obligation to God.

Next time: ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR OBLIGATION TO GOD?

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Conclusion of Effects of Advancing Age

In the case of an old man, "the almond tree carries blossoms," apparently indicating that his hair turns gray, then snowwhite. The hoary hairs fall like the white blossoms of the almond tree. As he 'drags himself along.' perhaps bent over with arms hanging down or hands resting on his hips with the elbows crooked upward, he resembles a grasshopper. If any of us look a little like that,though, let others take note that we are in Jehovah's energetic, speedy locust army! -See The Watchtower, May 1, 1998, pages 8-13.

The elderly person's appetite is no longer keen, even if the food before him is as tasty as the caper berry. These berries have long since used to stimulate appetite. 'The bursting of the caper berry' suggests that when an old man's appetite diminishes, even this fruit fails to awaken his desire for food. Such things indicate that he is nearing "his long-lasting house," the grave. It will be his home forever if he has failed to bear his Creator in mind and has pursued such a wicked course that God does not remember him in the resurrection. signs of approaching death are evident from the mournful tones and groans of complaint issuing forth from the doors of the oldster's mouth.

We are urged to remember our Creator "before the silver cord is removed, and the golden bowl gets crushed, and the jar at the spring is broken, and the waterwheel for the cistern has been crushed." (Ecclesiastes 12:6) the "silver cord" may denote the brain, contained in the bowlike cranium, to which the spinal cord is attached. Golden for preciousness, the brain when broken down spells death.

"The jar at the spring" is the heart, which receives the stream of blood and sends it out again for circulation through the body. At death,the heart becomes like a broken jar, shattered at the spring because it can no longer receive, contain, and pump out the blood vital for the body's nourishment and refreshment. the 'crushed waterwheel for the cistern' ceases to turn, ending circulation of life-sustaining blood. Jehovah thus revealed the circulation of blood to Solomon long before 17th century physician William Harvey demonstrated that it circulates.

The congregator added: "Then the dust returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the true God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7) with the "waterwheel" crushed, the human body, originally made out of dust from the ground, returns to the dust. (Genesis 2:7; 3:19) The soul dies because the spirit, or life -force, given by God returns to and resides with our Creator. -Ezekiel 18:4, 20; James 2:26.

Next time: What Future for Those Who Remember?

Watchtower, 1999

The Bible Answers Vital Questions

A Dependable Light to Our Roadway

What, then, can we conclude about the Bible? Is it relevant today? It is, indeed, because it offers guidance on current issues. The Bible explains that wickedness is not of God's making and helps us to find a satisfying purpose in life. Furthermore, the Bible has much to say on other matters that are of great interest today. Such topics as marriage, child rearing, human relations and hope for the dead are dealt with in God's Word. (Note: You just have to want to know and understand the whole truth/get the true knowledge of what God wants for us, if you really want to know, you can ask God for help in understanding these wonderful words of wisdom)

If you have not done so already, please take a close look at the contents of the Bible. Once you discover the true value of its guidelines for life, you may well feel as did the psalmist who looked to Jehovah God for guidance and sang: "Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway." -Psalm 119:105.

Next time:REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Watchtower, 1999

The Bible Answers Vital Questions

Perhaps now more than at any other time in mankind's history, people are trying to find out what life is all about. Many ask themselves, 'Why am I living? How can I find meaning in my life? Various circumstances prompt them to raise these questions.

An individual's life may be shattered by a personal tragedy. For instance, early in 1998 a 12-year old girl living in Bavaria, Germany, was kidnapped and murdered. One year later, her mother admitted that she spends each day searching for a purpose in life-to no avail. Some young people are moved to wonder about the meaning of life. They search for security, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging, only to despair at the widespread hypocrisy and corruption. Other individuals build their lives around a career, but they discover that power, prestige and possessions fail to satisfy the inner yearning to find reason for their existence.

Whatever moves a person to inquire about the purpose of life, this question warrants a serious and satisfying answer. Once again, the Bible can be of great benefit. It identifies Jehovah as a God of purpose, one who has sound reason for everything he does. We ask, would you construct a house without having a reason? Likely not, since building a house requires a huge investment of money and can take months or years. You build a house so that you or someone else can live in it. The same logic can be applied to Jehovah. He did not go to all the trouble of creating earth and the living things upon it without having a reason, a purpose. (Compare Hebrews 3:4) What is his purpose for the earth?

The prophecy of Isaiah identifies Jehovah as "the true God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it." Indeed, he is "the One who firmly established [this earth], who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited." (Isaiah 45:18) Yes, ever since the earth was created, it has been Jehovah's purpose to have it inhabited. Says Psalm 115:16: "As regards the heavens, to Jehovah the heavens belong, but the earth he has given to the sons of men." Thus the Bible shows that Jehovah created the earth to be inhabited by obedient humans, who would care for it. -Genesis 1:27, 28.

Did the rebellion of Adam and Eve cause Jehovah to change his purpose? No. How can we be so sure? Well, consider this point: The Bible was written thousands of years after the rebellion in Eden. If God had abandoned his original purpose, why is that not mentioned in the Bible? The obvious conclusion is that his purpose for the earth and mankind remains unchanged.

Moreover, Jehovah's purpose never fails. Through Isaiah, God provides this assurance: "Just as the pouring rain descends, and the snow , from the heavens and does not return to that place, unless it actually saturates the earth and makes it produce and sprout, and seed is actually given to the sower and bread to the eater, so my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but It will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that which I have sent it. -Isaiah 55:10, 11.

Note: In Islam or anywhere, women should not be beaten. In 1Peter 3:1, 2, 7- (1) In like manner, you wives,be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of [their wives], (2) because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect. (7) You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since you are also heirs with them,of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered. Any country who still beats his wife is not honoring or following Jehovah's God's Words in the Bible. For a man to beat his wife is only showing his cowardice and is not a real man at all. I have been in an abused situation. They spouse who abuses his wife or child NEVER!! changes. It is a sickness that the abuser does not think he/she has. Women should not beat on their husbands/children either. They are no better.

Next time: What God Expects of Us

Watchtower, 1999

The Bible Answers Vital Questions

Shortly after the creation of our first parents, Adam and Eve, a powerful spirit creature approached the woman and challenged Jehovah's truthfulness and the rightfulness of his sovereignty. (Genesis 3:1-5) This creature, Satan the Devil, later alleged that humans would not stay loyal to God under adversity. (Job 2:1-5) How did Jehovah react to this situation? He allowed for the passing of time so that it would become evident that humans cannot successfully direct their steps independent of him. (Jeremiah 10:23) When creatures act contrary to God's laws and principles, the result is sin, which produces injurious conditions. (Ecclesiastes 8:9; 1 John 3:4) Despite these adverse circumstances, however, Jehovah knew that some humans could maintain integrity to him.

Since that woeful rebellion in Eden, some 6,000 years have elapsed. Is that too long? Jehovah could have destroyed Satan and his supporters centuries ago. But has it not been better to wait until every conceivable doubt about the rightness of Jehovah's sovereignty and the integrity of humans to him is dispelled? Is it not true of present judicial systems that a court case to prove who is right and who is wrong may take years?

In view of the importance of the issues facing Jehovah and mankind-universal sovereignty and the integrity of humans-how wise it was of God to allow for time to pass! Now we see clearly what happens when humans ignore God's laws and take charge of their own affairs. The result is widespread evil. And that is why so many innocent people suffer today.

Happily, though, God's Word indicates that wickedness will not last forever. In fact, Jehovah will soon put an end to evil and to those who cause it. "As regards the wicked," Says Proverbs 2:22, "they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it. On the other hand, those faithful to God can look forward to a time, now near at hand, when "death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." -Revelation 21:4.

So,then, the Bible clearly explains why the innocent suffer. It also assures us that evil and suffering will soon end. As we experience life's present hardships, however, we need the answer to another vital question.

Next time: What is the Purpose of Life?

Watchtower, 1999

The Bible Answers Vital Questions of Our Day

IS THE Bible relevant today? For the answer to be yes, surely this age-old book would have to offer its readers guidance on topics of current interest and relevance. Does the Bible provide beneficial counsel on subjects that are of real importance in today's world?

Let us take a look at two current issues. In doing so, we will examine what the Bible says about these matters.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

In view of the conditions in the world today, one of the most commonly asked questions is: Why does God allow innocent people to suffer? This question is justified, since more and more people are being affected by violent crime, corruption, genocide personal tragedy, and so forth. For example, in June 1998 ab express train crashed into a bridge in norther Germany, killing more than a hundred passengers. Even experienced medics and firemen who attended to the injured and the dead were upset by the carnage. A bishop of the Evangelical Church asked: "Dear God, why did this have to happen?" The bishop himself gave no answer.

Experience shows that when innocent people suffer evil without getting an explanation about the cause, they sometimes become embittered. Here is where the Bible can help, for it explains why innocent people are subjected to wickedness and suffering.

When Jehovah God created the earth and everything on it, he did not intend that humankind be troubled by wickedness and suffering. How can we be sure? Because upon completing his creation, "God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good." (Genesis 1:31) Ask yourself, "if I were to observe something wicked, would I pronounce it "very good"?' Of course not! In the same way, when God pronounced everything 'very good," there was not trace of wickedness on earth. So when and how did wickedness start?

Next time: Conclusion of Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Watchtower, 1999

Can The Bible Help Us Today?

"TAKING the Bible as a whole, about 1 percent is worth reading, but the rest is irrelevant and out-of-date. So said one young man. Many would agree with him. Though the Bible continues to be a best-seller worldwide, millions pay scant attention to it and are unfamiliar with its teachings.

In its 1996 Christmas edition, the German newspaper Suddeutshce Zeitung commented that the Bible "has fewer and fewer readers . In the age of the natural sciences and increasing secularization, Biblical accounts appear to many to be strange and difficult to understand." Surveys confirm this report. Some studies reveal that a large number of children do not know exactly who Jesus is. In one survey, fewer than half of the people interviewed could relate the Biblical stores of the prodigal son and the neighborly Samaritan.

The Swiss Evangelical Church publication Reformiertes Forum states that in Switzerland demand for the Bible is not what it use to be. Even among those who have a copy of the Bible, it often just collects dust on the shelf. In Britain the situation is not different. According to one survey, although most people have a Bible, the vast majority hardly ever read it.

On the other hand, millions worldwide feel differently about the Bible. They view it as God's Word and consider it valuable and beneficial. Hence, they read it regularly. One young woman wrote: "I try to read one or two chapters of the Bible each day. I enjoy it very much." Such individuals take careful note of what the Bible teaches, and they try to apply its counsel in their lives. They believe that the Bible can help them in today's troubled world.

What is your opinion? Is the Bible irrelevant in modern times? Or is it valuable and beneficial? Can the Bible help us today?

Next time:The Bible Answers Vital Questions of Our Day

Watchtower, 1999

Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

Love-The Greatest Quality

More than all other qualities, love truly makes the soil of our heart responsive to Jehovah's Word. Thus, when comparing it with faith and hope, the apostle Paul described love as "the greatest of these " qualities. (1 Corinthians 13:13) A heart filled with love for God gets intense satisfaction and joy from obeying him; it certainly does not chafe at God's requirements. The apostle John said: "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments, and yet his commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3) Along similar lines, Jesus said: " If anyone loves me, he will observe my word, and my Father will love him." (1John 14:23) Note that such love is reciprocated. Yes, Jehovah deeply loves those who are drawn to him in love.

Jehovah knows that we are imperfect and regularly sin against him. Even so, he does not keep himself distant from us. What Jehovah looks for in his servants is "a complete heart," one that moves us to serve him willingly with "a delightful soul ." (1 Chronicles 28:9) Of course, Jehovah knows it takes time and effort for us to cultivate good qualities in our heart and thus to produce the fruitage of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Hence, he is patient with us, "for he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust." (Psalm 103:14) Reflecting the same attitude, Jesus never severely criticized his disciples for their faults. but patiently helped and encouraged them. Do not such love, mercy and patience of Jehovah and Jesus move you to love them all the more? -Luke 7:47; 2 Peter 3:9.

If you at times find it a struggle to pull up deep-rooted, weedlike habits or to break up pockets of hard, claylike traits, do not become downhearted or discouraged. Instead, keep working at making improvements as you "persevere in prayer," including frequent supplication to Jehovah for his spirit. (Romans 12:12) With his willing help, you will, like Ezra, succeed in having a heart fully prepared "to consult the Law of Jehovah and to do it."

Next time:Can the Bible Help Us Today?

Watchtower,1999