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
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
8.26.2010
7.03.2010
Despite Weeping, Truly Happy!
The people who lived at the time of the global Deluge lacked a serious view of life. They went about their daily routine and failed to weep over the "badness of man [that] was abundant in the earth," looking on with indifference as "the earth became filled with violence." (Genesis 6:5, 11) Jesus referred to that regrettable state, and he foretold a similar attitude among people in our day. He warned: "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 24:38, 39.
Some 1,850 years after the Flood, in the days of Haggai, many Israelites showed a similar lack of serious concern for spiritual matters. Busy pursuing personal interests, they failed to discern that theirs was the time for giving priority to Jehovah's interests. We read: "As regards this people, they have said: "The time has not come, the time of the house of Jehovah, for it to be built.' And the word of Jehovah continued to come by means of Haggai the prophet, saying: 'Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house is waste? and now this is what Jehovah of armies has said, "Set your heart upon your ways." ' " -Haggai 1:1-5.
As Jehovah's Witnesses today, with responsibilities and privileges before Jehovah like those of the Israelites of Haggai's time, we would also do well to set our hearts upon our ways, doing so in all seriousness. Do we "weep" over world conditions and the reproach these bring upon God's name? Are we pained when people deny God's existence or blatantly ignore his righteous principles? Do we react as did the marked individuals seen by Ezekiel in a vision 2,500 years ago? About them we read: "Jehovah went on to say to [the man with the secretary's inkhorn]: 'Pass through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and you must put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it.' " -Ezekiel 9:4.
Next time: Continue with the above subject.
Watchtower, 1999
Some 1,850 years after the Flood, in the days of Haggai, many Israelites showed a similar lack of serious concern for spiritual matters. Busy pursuing personal interests, they failed to discern that theirs was the time for giving priority to Jehovah's interests. We read: "As regards this people, they have said: "The time has not come, the time of the house of Jehovah, for it to be built.' And the word of Jehovah continued to come by means of Haggai the prophet, saying: 'Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house is waste? and now this is what Jehovah of armies has said, "Set your heart upon your ways." ' " -Haggai 1:1-5.
As Jehovah's Witnesses today, with responsibilities and privileges before Jehovah like those of the Israelites of Haggai's time, we would also do well to set our hearts upon our ways, doing so in all seriousness. Do we "weep" over world conditions and the reproach these bring upon God's name? Are we pained when people deny God's existence or blatantly ignore his righteous principles? Do we react as did the marked individuals seen by Ezekiel in a vision 2,500 years ago? About them we read: "Jehovah went on to say to [the man with the secretary's inkhorn]: 'Pass through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and you must put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it.' " -Ezekiel 9:4.
Next time: Continue with the above subject.
Watchtower, 1999
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