Stay Close to Jehovah - End Notes - 14. THE FALSE TEACHING OF THE TRINITY

The Bible teaches that Jehovah God is the Creator and that he created Jesus before all other things.  ( Colossians 1:15, 16)   Jesus is not Almighty God. He never claimed that he was equal to God.  In fact, he said:  "The Father is greater than I am. (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:28)  But some religions teach the Trinity, that God is three persons in one: the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit.  The word "Trinity" is not in the Bible.  This is a false teaching.

The holy spirit is God's active force, his invisible power in action that he uses to do his will. It is not a person.  For example, early Christians "became filled with holy spirit," And Jehovah said:  "I will pour out some of my spirit on every sort of flesh." ACTS 2:1-4, 17.

15. THE CROSS

When true Christians worship God, they do not use the cross.  Why not?

1. The cross has been used in false religion for a long time. In ancient times it was used in nature worship and in pagan sex rites. During the first 300 years after Jesus ' death, Christians did not use the cross for their worship. Much later, Roman Emperor Constantine made the cross a symbol of Christianity. The symbol was used to try to make Christianity more popular. But the cross had nothing to do with Jesus Christ. The New Catholic Encyclopedia explains:  "The cross is found in both pre-Christian and non-Christian cultures." 

2. Jesus did not die on a cross.  The Greek words translated "cross" basically mean  mean "an upright stake," "a timber," or "a tree,"  The Companion Bible explains:  "There is nothing in the Greek of the [New Testament] even to imply two pieces of timber."  Jesus died on an upright stake. 

3. Jehovah does  not want us to use images or symbols in our worship. -EXODUS 20:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 10:14.

Chapter 5, paragraph 12

16. THE MEMORIAL

Jesus commanded his disciples to observe the Memorial of his death.  They do this each year on Nisan 14, the same date that the Israelites celebrated the Passover.  Bread and wine, which represent Jesus'  body and blood, are passed around to everyone at the Memorial. Those who will rule with Jesus in heaven eat the bread and drink the wine.  Those who have the hope of living forever one earth respectfully attend the Memorial but  do not eat the bread or drink the wine. 

Chapter 5, paragraph 21

17. SOUL

In the English edition of the New World Translation, the word "soul"  is used to describe (1) a person, (2) an animal , or (3) the life of a person or animal.  Here are some examples: 

* A Person.  "In Noah's day . . . a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water."  (1 Peter 3:20) Here the word "souls" refers to the  people -Noah and his wife, their three sons, and the sons' wives.

* An animal.  "God said:  'Let the waters swarm with living creatures ["souls," ], and let flying creatures fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.'  Then God said: 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures ["souls,"] according to their  kinds, domestic animals and creeping animals and wild animals of the earth according to their kinds.' And it was so." - GENESIS 1:20, 24.

* The life of a person or animal.  Jehovah told Moses:  "All the men who were seeking to kill you ["seeking your soul,"] are dead." (Exodus 4:19). When Jesus was on earth: "I am the fine shepherd, the fine shepherd surrenders his life ["soul"] in behalf of the sheep." - JOHN 10:11. 

In addition, when a person does something with his "whole soul," this means that he does it willingly and to the best of his ability.  (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 6:5)  The word "soul" can also be used to describe the desire or appetite of a living creature.  A dead person or a dead body can be referred to as a dead soul.  - NUMBERS 6:6; PROVERBS 23:2; ISAIAH 56:11; HAGGAI 2:13. 

Chapter 6, paragraph 17

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah - End Notes - 18.  SPIRIT

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Stay Close to Jehovah - End Notes - 9.Sin

Anything that we feel, think, or do against Jehovah  or his win is sin.  Because sin damages our relationship with God, he has given us laws and principles that help us to avoid intentional sin.  In the beginning, Jehovah created everything perfect, but when Adam and Eve chose to disobey Jehovah, they sinned and were no longer perfect.  They grew old and died, and because we inherited sin from Adam we too grow old and die.

Chapter 3, paragraph 7; Chapter 5, paragraph 3


10. ARMAGEDDON

This is God's war to destroy Satan's wicked world and all wickedness

Chapter 3, paragraph 13; Chapter 8, paragraph 18

11. GOD'S KINGDOM

God's Kingdom is a government that Jehovah set up  in heaven.  Jesus Christ is ruling as is King.  In the future, Jehovah will use the Kingdom to remove all wickedness.  God Kingdom will rule over the earth.

Chapter 3, paragraph 14

12. JESUS CHRIST

God created Jesus before everything else.  Jehovah sent Jesus to earth to die for all humans.  After Jesus was killed, Jehovah resurrected him. Jesus is now ruling as King of God's Kingdom. 

13.  THE PROPHECY OF THE 70 WEEKS

The Bible prophesied, or foretold, when the Messiah would appear.  This would be at the end  of a period called the 69  weeks, which began in the year 455 B.C.E. and ended in the year 29 C.E.

How do we know tat it ended in 29 C.E?  The 69 weeks began in the year 455 B.C.E. when Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and began to rebuild the city.  (Daniel 09:25; Nehemiah 2:1, 5-8)  Just as the word "dozen" makes us think of the number 12, so the word "week"  reminds us of the number 7.  The weeks in this prophecy are not weeks of seven days  but are weeks of seven years, in line with the prophetic rule of "a day for a year."  (Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6)   This means that each week is seven years long and that the 69 weeks add up to 4483 years (69 x 7).  If we count 483 years from 455 B.C.E., it takes us to the year 29 C.E. This is exactly the year when Jesus was baptized and became the Messiah. - LUKE 3:1, 2, 21, 22.

The same prophecy foretold another week, which is an extra seven years.  During this time period, in the year 33  C.E., the Messiah would be killed, and beginning the year 36 C.E., the good news of God's Kingdom would be preached  to all the nations and just to the Jews. - DANIEL 9:24-27. 

Chapter 4, paragraph 7

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah - End Notes - 14. THE FALSE TEACHING OF THE TRINITY

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Stay Close to Jehovah - End Notes - 5. PROPHECIES ABOUT THE MESSIAH

Jesus is the one who fulfilled the many prophecies about the Messiah. 

Event                                                                        Prophecy                             Fulfillment

Born if the tribe of Judah                                Genesis 49:10                    Luke 3:23-33

Born of a virgin                                                     Isaiah 7:14                  Matthew 1:18-25

A descendant of King David                             Isaiah 9:7                    Matthew 1:1, 6-17

Jehovah declared Jesus to
be his Son                                                                 Psalm 2:7                   Matthew 3:17

Many people did not believe
that Jesus was the Messiah                               Isaiah 53:1                John 12:37, 38

Entered Jerusalem riding a 
donkey                                                                     Zechariah 9:9           Matthew 21":1-9

Betrayed by a close friend                                Psalm 41:9                  John 13:18, 21-30

Betrayed for 30 silver pieces                          Zechariah 11:12         Matthew 26:14-16

Silent when he was accused                            Isaiah 53:7                   Matthew 27:11-14

Lots were cast for his garments                     Psalm 22:18                 Matthew 27:35

Mocked while on the stake                               Psalm 22:7, 8           Matthew 27:39-43

None of his bones broken                                Psalm 34:20               John 29:33, 36

Buried with the rich                                          Isaiah 53:9                 Matthew 27:57-60

His resurrection                                                  Psalm 16:10               Acts 2:24, 27

Resurrected to  heaven to be
at God's right hand                                              Psalm 110:1                 Acts 7:55, 56



6.JEHOVAH'S PURPOSE FOR THE EARTH

Jehovah created the earth to be a paradise home for the humans who love him. His purpose has not changed. Soon, God will remove wickedness and give his people everlasting life.

7. SATAN THE DEVIL

Satan is the angel who started the rebellion against God. He is called Satan, which means "Resister," because he fights against Jehovah.  He is also called the Devil, which means "slanderer." This name was given to him because he tells lies about God and deceives people.

8. ANGELS

Jehovah created the angels long before he created earth.  They were created to live in heaven. There are more than a hundred million angels.  (Daniel 7:10) They have names and different personalities, and loyal angels humbly refuse to be worshipped by humans.  They have different ranks and are assigned a variety of work.  Some of this work includes serving before Jehovah's throne, delivering his messages, protecting and guiding his servants on earth, carrying out his judgments, and supporting the preaching work.  (Psalm 34:7; Revelation 14:6; 22:8, 9)   In the future, they will fight alongside Jesus in the war of Armageddon. -REVELATION 16:14, 16; 19:14, 15. 

Chapter paragraph 7; Chapter 5, paragraph 3

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah - End Notes - 9. SIN

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Stay Close to Jehovah -End Notes - 1. Jehovah

God's name is Jehovah and is understood to mean "He Causes to Become."  Jehovah is the almighty God, and he created everything.  He has the power to do anything he decides to do.

In Hebrew, God's name was written with four letters.  In English, these are represented by YHWH or JHVH. God's name appears in the original Hebrew text of the Bible nearly 7,000 times.  People all over the world use different forms of the name of Jehovah, pronouncing it in the way that is common in their language.

2. THE BIBLE IS "INSPIRED OF GOD"

The Author of the Bible is God, but he used men to write it. This is similar to a businessman telling his secretary t0 write a letter that contains his ideas. God used his holy spirit to guide his Bible writers to record his thoughts.  God's spirit guided them in various ways, sometimes causing them to see visions or have dreams that they would write them down.

Chapter 1,  paragraph 5

3. PRINCIPLES 

These are teachings in the Bible that explain a basic truth. For example, the principle "bad associations spoil useful habits" teaches us that we are affected for good or for bad by the people whom we associate.  (1 Corinthians 15:33)   And the people  "whatever a person is sowing, this he shall also reap " teaches us that we cannot escape the results of our actions.

Chapter 2, paragraph 5

4. PROPHECY

This is a message from God. It could be an explanation of God's will, a moral teaching, a command, or a judgment. It can also be about something that will happen in the future. There are many prophecies in the Bible that have already come true. 

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah -End Notes - 5. PROPHECIES ABOUT THE MESSIAH

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Stay Close to Jehovah -THE REAL LIFE

Jehovah wants all his friends to have the best life possible.  The Bible teaches us that our life in the future will be completely different from our life today.

In the future, we will live forever, not just for 70 or 80 years.  We will enjoy "everlasting life" in perfect health, peace, and happiness in a  beautiful paradise. That is what the Bible calls "the real life."  Jehovah promises to give us this real life, but we must do all we can now to get a "firm hold" on it. - 1 TIMOTHY 6:122, 19. 

How can we "get a firm hold on the real life"?  We must "work a good" and "be rich in fine works." (1 Timothy 6:18) b This means that we need to apply  what we learn from the Bible.  However, the real life doe snot depend on our own efforts. We can never earn eternal life.  It's a free gift from Jehovah  to his faithful servants, an example of his "undeserved  kindness." (Romans 5:15)   Our heavenly Father really wants us to give his faithful servants this gift.

Ask yourself, 'Am I worshipping God the way he approves? '  If you find that you need to make some changes, you should do so right away.  When we rely on Jehovah and do everything we can to obey him, Jehovah will be our refuse.  He will keep his faithful people safe during the last days of Satan's wicked world.  Then Jehovah will make sure that we live in Paradise forever, just as he promised .  Yes, you can have the real life if you make the right choices now! 

Next time:  Stay Close to Jehovah -End Notes - JEHOVAH

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Stay Close to Jehovah - TALKING TO OTHERS ABOUT JEHOVAH

If we want to remain close to Jehovah, we also need to talk to others about our faith. Talking to others about Jehovah is a wonderful privilege.  (Luke 1: 74)  And it's a responsibility that Jesus gave to all true Christians.  Each of us should preach the good news of God's Kingdom. Have you already done this? -MATTHEW  24:14; 28:19, 20.

The apostle Paul felt that the preaching work was very precious; he called it a "treasure."  (2 Corinthians 4:7)  Telling others about Jehovah and his purpose is the most important work that you can do.  It's a way for you to serve Jehovah, and he values what you do for him. (Hebrew 6:10)  Preaching can also benefit you and those who listen to you because you help others and yourself to draw close to Jehovah and get everlasting life.  (Read 1 Corinthians 15:58)  Is there any other work that could give you more satisfaction? 

The preaching work is very urgent. We should "preach the world,"  and we should "be at it urgently."   (2 Timothy 4:2)   People need to hear about God's Kingdom. The Bible says:  "The Bible says:  "The great day of Jehovah is near!  It is near and approaching very quickly!"   The end "will not be late!"  (Zephaniah 1:14; Habakkuk 2:3)  Yes, very soon, Jehovah will destroy Satan's wicked world.  Before that happens, people need to be warned so that they can choose to serve Jehovah. 

Jehovah want us to worship him along with other true Christians.  The Bible says:  "Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking  our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24, 25)  We should  do our best to be at all meetings.  The meetings  give us an opportunity to encourage and strengthen one another.

When you attend meetings, you'll find good friends who will help you  to worship Jehovah. You'll meet a variety of brothers and sisters who, like you , do their best to worship him. And like you, they're imperfect and make mistakes.  When they do, be ready to forgive them.  (Read Colossians 3:13)   Always focus on the good qualities of your Christian brothers and sisters, for doing that will help you to love them and draw even closer to Jehovah. 

Next time: Stay Close To Jehovah - THE REAL LIFE

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Stay Close to Jehovah - CONTINUE DRAWING CLOSER TO JEHOVAH

 How did you become Jehovah's friend?  Through your study of the Bible, you came to know Jehovah more and developed a friendship with him.  This friendship is like fire that you want  to keep burning. Just as a fire needs fuel to keep burn, you need to continue learning about Jehovah to keep your friendship strong. - PROVERBS 2:1-5. 

As you continue to study the Bible, you will learn things that really touch your heart.  Notice how two of Jesus' disciples felt as Jesus was  explaining Bible prophecies to them.  They said:  "Were not our hearts burning within us as he was speaking to us on the road, as he was fully opening up the Scriptures to us" - LUKE 24:32.

Just as the disciples hearts were touched when they understood the Scriptures, you may have felt the same enthusiasm when you began to understand the Bible.  This helped you to know Jehovah and to love him. You do not want this love to grow cold. - MATTHEW 24:12.

Once you become a  friend of God, you need to work hard to keep your friendship strong. You must continue to learn about him and Jesus and to think about what you are learning and how you can apply it in your life.  (John 17:3)   When you read or study the Bible, ask yourself:  'What does this teach me  about Jehovah God? Why should I love him with my whole heart and soul? - 1 TIMOTHY 4:15. 

When you have a good friend, you talk to him regularly, and this keeps your friendship strong.  In the same way we talk to Jehovah regularly in our prayer, it keeps our love for him strong.   (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17.)   Prayer  is a wonderful gift from our heavenly Father.  We should always speak to him from our heart.  (Psalm 62:8)  We should not repeat our prayers from memory, but we should really mean what we say. Yes, if we continue to study the Bible and pray from our heart, we will keep our love for Jehovah strong. 

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah - TALKING TO OTHERS ABOUT JEHOVAH

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Stay Close to Jehovah - RESPOND TO GOD'S LOVE

To stay close to Jehovah, we need to realize just how much he loves us.  Think of all that Jehovah has done for us.  He has given us a beautiful earth and filled it with fascinating plants and animals.  He has also give us delicious food to eat and clean water to drink. Through the Bible, Jehovah has taught us his name and his wonderful qualities. Above all, he showed his love for us when he sent his beloved Son, Jesus to the earth to give his life for us.  (John 3:16)  And because of this sacrifice, we have a wonderful hope for the future.

Jehovah has provided the Messianic Kingdom, a heavenly government that soon end all suffering. The Kingdom will make the earth a paradise, where everyone will live in peace and happiness forever.  (Psalm 37:29)  Another way Jehovah has shown his love for us is by teaching us how to live in the best possible way now.  He also invites us to pray to him, and he is always ready to listen to our prayers. Jehovah has clearly shown his love for every one of us.

How should you respond to Jehovah's love?  Show him that you are thankful for all that he has done for you. Unfortunately, many today are ungrateful.  The same was true when Jesus was on earth. On one occasion, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one thanked him.  (Luke 17:12-17)  We want  to be like the man who thanked Jesus.  We always want to be thankful to Jehovah.

We also need to show our love for Jehovah.  Jesus told his disciples that they must love Jehovah with their whole heart, the whole soul, and their whole mind.  (Read Matthew 22:37.)  What does that mean? 

Is it enough just to say that we love Jehovah?  No.  If we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, we will show our love for him by our actions.  (Matthew 7:16-20) The Bible clearly teaches that if we love God, we will obey his commandments.  Is that difficult? No, because Jehovah's commandments are not burdensome." - Read 1 JOHN 5:3.

When we obey Jehovah, we have a happy satisfying life.  (Isaiah 48:17, 18)  But will that help us to stay close to Jehovah? Let us see.

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah - CONTINUE DRAWING NEAR TO JEHOVAH

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Stay Close to Jehovah

IMAGINE that you are walking outside on a stormy day.  The sky gets darker, lightning starts to flash, and it begins to thunder.  Soon the rain pours down.  you search for a place to hide. What a relief when you finally find somewhere safe and dry!

We are in a similar situation today.  World conditions are getting worse. You may wonder, 'Where can I find protection?'  The Bible psalmist wrote:  "I will say to Jehovah: 'You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust.'" (Psalm 91:2)  Yes, Jehovah can give us relief from our problems now, and he gives us a wonder hope for the future.

How can Jehovah protect us?  He can help us to deal with any problems we have, and he is far ore powerful than anyone who may try to harm us.  Even if something bad happens to us now, we can be sure that Jehovah will repair the damage in the future. The Bible encourages us: "Keep yourselves in God's love."  (Jude 2:1)  We need to stay close to Jehovah to receive his help during difficult times. But how can we do that?

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah - RESPOND TO GOD'S LOVE

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Should I Dedicate My Life to God and Be Baptized? - WHAT YOUR BAPTISM REPRESENTS

Jesus said that his disciples would be baptized "in the nae of the Father and the son and of the holy spirit." (Matthew 28:19).  What does that mean?  It means that you recognize Jehovah's authority and Jesus' role in God's purpose as well as how God uses his holy spirit to accomplish his will." -PSALM 83:18; MATTHEW  28:18; GALATIANS 5:22,23; 2 PETER 1:21.

Baptism represents something very important.  When you are immersed in water, it means that you have died to, or abandoned your former way of life.  When you come out of the water, you will begin a new life doing God's will.  It shows that you will serve Jehovah from now on. Remember that you are not dedicated to a human, an organization, or a work. You have dedicated your life to Jehovah.

Your dedication will help you to develop a close friendship with God. (Psalm 25:14)  This does not mean that a  person will be saved just because he gets baptized. The apostle Paul wrote:  "Keep working out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)  Baptism is just the beginning. But how an you stay close to Jehovah?  The last chapter of this book will answer that question. 

Next time: Stay Close to Jehovah

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