"WRITTEN FOR OUR INSTRUCTION"

Hope for the Future

The entire Bible has but one theme: The Kingdom under Jesus Christ is the means by which the vindication of God's sovereignty and the sanctification of  His name will be accomplished. -Daniel 2:44; Revelation 11:15.

Through the Hebrew Scriptures, we learn  details about life  under God's Kingdom that give us comfort and draw us closer to the Source of that comfort, Jehovah God. For example, the prophet Isaiah foretold that there would be peace between animals and humans:  "The wolf will actually reside for a while with the male lamb, and with the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the maned young lion and the well-fed animal all together; and a mere little boy will be leader over them."  (Isaiah 11:6-8) What a beautiful prospect!

And what of those disadvantaged by racial or ethnic prejudice, serious illness,or economic factors beyond their control?  The Hebrew Scriptures prophetically say this about Christ Jesus:  "He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted  one  and whoever has no helper.  He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save."  (Psalm 72:12, 13) Such promises are practical because they enable those who put faith in them to face the future with hope and confidence. -Hebrews 11:6.

No wonder that the apostle Paul was inspired to write:   "All things that were written aforetime were written for out instruction,that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope!"   (Romans 15:4)  Yes, the Hebrew Scriptures are still an integral part of God's inspired Word, the Bible.  They have real value for us today.  It is our hope  that you will strive to learn more about  what the entire Bible really teaches and thus draw closer to its Author, Jehovah God. -Psalm 119:111, 112

Next time: Be Alert to the Importance of Commendation

Watchtower, 2007

You Can Know The Future

IN AN effort to find out what the future holds, humans have experimented with all kinds of things. Social scientists called futurologists analyze current trends and make their forecasts on the basis of these. Economists do likewise in their own field. Astrologers and diviners look to horoscopes, crystal balls and the occult, and they have a huge following. For example, French astrologer Nostradamus continues to be popular though he has been dead for centuries.

All of these would-be prophets have proved to be most unreliable and disappointing. Why? Because they ignore Jehovah God and his Word, the Bible. For this reason they fail to answer such basic questions as these: 'Why can I be sure htat the things foretold in the Bible are going to happen? How do they fit into God's purpose for humans? How can my family and I benefit from these prophecies? The Bible answers these questions.

Bible prophecy is also superior in may other ways. Unlike astrological predictions, it allows for personal free will. Hence, nobody is a victim of fate. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Writings such as those of Nostradamus are morally void, and they cover theis void with mystery and sensationalism. But Bible prophesy has a firm moral basis. It explains why God is going to do as he purposed. (2 Chronicles 36:15) And Jehovah's prophecies never fail, for "God. . . cannot lie." (Titus 1:2) Thus, individuals guided by God's Word live enlightened, purposeful and happy lives without squandering their precious time and resources on futile pursuits. -Psalm 25:12, 13.

These and many other points have been discussed at the 1999/2000 "God's Prophetic Word" District Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses held around the world. Talks, interviews demonstrations and a Bible drama have drawn the attention of the audience to the wonderful spiritual heritage enjoyed by those who study and apply God's prophetic word. The following article will review some exciting convention highlights.

Next time: God's Prophetic Word Gives Hope For The Future

Watchtower