God's Prophetic Word GIves Hope For The Future

Day Two:

Things Made Known Through The Prophetic Scriptures

After a discussion of the day's Bible text, those assembled enjoyed the second symposium of the convention entitled "Glorifying Jehovah as Light Bearers." The first talk showed that a Christian's goal is to glorify Jehovah by preaching everywhere. The following past mentioned the need to direct responsive ones to God's organization. How? By our taking five or ten minutes before or after each home Bible study to show how God's organization functions. The third talk of this symposium stressed the need to glorify God by fine works.

The talk "Love Jehovah's Reminders Exceedingly" covered selected verses in Psalm 119. Certainly, we need reminders, for we are all inclined to forget. How important, then, that we develop a love for Jehovah's reminders, just as the psalmist did!

Then came a special treat-the baptism talk entitled "Heeding the Prophetic Word Leads to Baptism." Candidates for baptism were reminded that they imitate Christ not just by being baptized but also by following his steps closely. (1 Peter 2:2) What a privilege these new ones have to share in the fulfillment of John 10:16, where Jesus foretold that he would gather "other sheep" to serve alongside his spirit anointed disciples!

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Watchtower, 2000

God's Prophetic Word Gives Hope For The Future

THANKS to God's Word, the Holy Bible, true Christians view the future with faith, hope and optimism. Secure in their relationship with Jehovah God, they look forward to tomorrow. As the opening talk at the "God's Prophetic Word" District Convention explained, Jehovah's Witnesses have been keen students of Bible prophecy for many years. So, what did Jehovah have in store for his people at these conventions? With Bibles at the ready, all in attendance were eager to find out. The theme for each day of the convention is set out as a separate subheading.


Day One:

Walking in the Light of God's Word

The talk "God's Word Has Led Us" explained that Jehovah's people are like a man who starts out on a journey in the darkness of night. As the sun rises, he sees shadows, but when the sun shines directly overhead, he sees clear detail. As foretold at Proverbs 4:18, Jehovah's people have come to see their way clearly under the bright sunlight of truth from God's prophetic word. They are not left to stumble in spiritual darkness.

The keynote address, "Pay Attention to God's Prophetic Word," reminded the listeners that those looking to Jehovah are spared the disappointment and disillusionment experienced by people who follow false messiahs and false prophets. In sharp contrast, the credentials of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, are overwhelming! For example, Jesus' miraculous transfiguration provided a foregleam of him as the enthroned King of God's Kingdom. Since coming into Kingdom power in 1914, Jesus is also the "daystar" mentioned at 2 Peter 1:19. "As the Messianic Daystar, he heralds a new day, or era, that dawns for all obedient mankind," said the speaker.

Next time: Continue with the subject above

Watchtower, 2000