THE ANGELS HELP KEEP THE CONGREGATION CLEAN -Conclusion

 Sadly, some who commit gross sins have to be removed from the congregation. In such cases, we "stop keeping company " with them. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) This arrangement helps to keep the congregation clean. Moreover, by choosing not to associate with those who have been removed, we actually show them kindness. Our firm stand may move them to come to their senses. If they do so, we rejoice with Jehovah and his angels. - LUKE 15:7.

What a privilege we have to see into the spirit realm with our eyes of faith and to work alongside with the angels! Let us imitate their fine qualities: their humility, their love for people, their endurance, and their concern for the moral and spiritual cleanness of the congregation. If we imitate the faithful angels, we too can be part of Jehovah's family of worshippers for all eternity.

Next time: Look to Jehovah for Comfort

From the jw.org publications

THE ANGELS HELP KEEP THE CONGREGATION CLEAN

 During the last days, Jehovah has given the angels a special assignment. (Read Matthew 1:47-48.) The preaching work attracts millions of people of all kinds. Some of these people take steps to become genuine Christians, while others do not. The angels have been assigned to "separate the wicked from among the righteous." This means that they are assigned to help protect the purity of the congregation. This does not mean that everyone who stops associating with us for whatever reason can never return; nor does it mean that there will never be problems in the congregation. Yet, we can be sure that the angels are working hard to help keep our congregations clean.

How can we imitate the angel's concern for the cleanness of the congregation?  By doing our part to keep our congregations morally and spiritually clean. To this end, we strive to safeguard our heart by choosing good associates and by rejecting any influence that seeks to corrupt us. (Psalm 101:3) We can also help our fellow worshippers to remain faithful to Jehovah. For example, what should we do if we learn that a fellow believer has committed a serious sin? Out of love for that person, we should urge our fellow believer to speak with the elders. If that person fails to do so, we would inform the elders about the matter. We want any spiritually weak fell0ow believer to get help quickly! - JAMES 5:14, 15.

Next time: THE ANGELS HELP KEEP THE CONGREGATION CLEAN - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

THE ANGELS SHOW ENDURANCE

 The faithful angels are outstanding examples of endurance. They have put up with injustice and wickedness for thousands of years. They saw Satan and many other spirit creatures who once served alongside them rebel against Jehovah. (Genesis 3:6; 6:1, 2; Jude 6) The Bible tells us of one faithful angel who experienced direct opposition from a powerful demon. (Daniel 10:13) Furthermore, throughout human history, the angels have seen only a small minority of people pursue true worship. Despite all that, these loyal angels continue serving Jehovah with joy and zeal.  They know that at the right time, God will remove all injustice.

How can we imitate the angels' endurance?

 

Like the angels, we may witness injustices or face opposition. But we share their conviction that at the right time, God will remove all wickedness. So like the faithful angels, we do "not give up in doing what is fine." (Galatians 6:9) And God promises to help us endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13) We can pray to Jehovah for his spirit, which produces patience and joy. (Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:11) What if you face opposition? Trust, fully in Jehovah, and do not be alarmed. Jehovah will always support and strengthen you. - HEBREWS 13:6.

Next time: THE ANGELS HELP KEEP THE CONGREGATION CLEAN 

From the jw.org publications

Their Prayers Were Answered - Conclusion

 What if our circumstances limit what we can do? We can still find ways to work along with angels in the preaching work. Consider the experience of Sara, a sister in India. After pioneering for some 20 years, Sara became ill and was permanently bedridden. Understandably, she was deeply depressed, But with loving support from her spiritual family along with Bible reading, Sara gradually regained a positive outlook. Of course, she had to adapt her ministry to her new circumstances. Since she could not even sit up to write letters, he ministry was limited to witnessing by telephone. So she telephoned her return visits, and they referred her to others who might be interested. The result? Within months, Sarah had 70 Bible studies-far more than she could manage! So she turned over some to other in the congregation. Many of the students ow attend our meetings. How happy the angels must be to work alongside brother and sisters, such as Sara, who do they can in the preaching work!

Next time: THE ANGELS SHOW ENDURANCE

From the jw.org publications

Their Prayers Were Answered - Continue

 . A Witness couple decided to sell their car. When a man and his wife came over to look at the car, the Witnesses took the opportunity to explain that they were simplifying their lives and then talked about our Bible educational work. The husband of the couple interested in the car responded: "Yesterday I prayed: "Please, God, put someone on my path who can help me. I feel empty, and I need to find the truth."' He viewed this chance meeting as an answer to his prayer. He and his wife accepted a Bible study, and their two young daughters also started studying, The family now attends Christian meetings.

. How can we imitate the angels' love for people? When we hear an announcement that someone has been reinstated, we can rejoice, as the angels do. We can go out of our way to welcome the brother back and confirm our love for him. (Luke 15:4-7; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8) We can also imitate the angels by doing all we can in the preaching work.  (Ecclesiastes 11:6) And just as the angels support us as we share the good news, we can look for ways to support our brothers and sisters in their ministry. For example, could we make plans to work with a less experienced publisher? Could we support older or infirm brothers and sisters so that they can have a share in the ministry? 

Next time: Their Prayers Were Answered - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

Their Prayers Were Answered

 Is it possible that the angels were involved in any of the following experiences?

. While telephone witnessing with her mother, a 12-year-old publisher in Peru spoke with a woman who had been asking God to send someone to help her. The woman viewed the girl's phone call as an answer to her prayers and welcomed a Bible study. Soon thereafter, she started attending meetings.

. A woman in Romania studied for a time but then stopped. Later, while working as a caregiver in Italy, she wanted to resume her study. Not knowing any local Witnesses, she prayed to Jehovah for help. Shortly thereafter, the family she worked for asked her to go to a store for them. They advise her not to engage the owner in conversation. "He is one of Jehovah's Witnesses," They said," and he talks to his customers about the Bible." Sure enough the brother witnessed to the lady, who saw this as an answer to her prayers. She resumed her study and made fine spiritual progress. Impressed by her example, one of her sons also began studying the Bible and attending Christian meetings. 

Next time: Their Prayers Were Answered -Continue

From the jw.org publications

THE ANGELS LOVE PEOPLE

 The angels are not aloof, or detached, from humans. They love people. They rejoice when a sinner repents-that is, when a lost sheep returns to Jehovah or when an individual changes his ways and comes into the truth. (Read Luke 15:10.) The angels are also actively involved in the Kingdom-preaching work. (Revelation 14:6) Although they do not preach directly to people, they may guide a publisher to someone who wants to learn about Jehovah. Of course, we cannot say with certainty that the angels were involved with any specific case. After all, Jehovah can use other names-such as his holy spirit-to help people or to guide his servants. (Acts 16:6, 7) Still, he uses his angels extensively. So when we share the good news, we can be confident that the angels will there support us. -See the box "Their Prayers Were Answered." 

Next time: Their Prayers Were Answered

From the jw.org publications

THE ANGELS ARE HUMBLE

 The faithful angels are humble. Although they are experienced, mighty. and wise, they obey Jehovah's instructions. (Psalm 103:20) As they carry out their assignments, they never boast about their deeds or show off their superhumans powers. They happily do God's will even when not credited by name.  (Genesis 32:24, 29; 2 Kings 19:35) They refuse to accept any glory that belongs to Jehovah. Why are the angels so humble? Because they love Jehovah and deeply respect him. - PSALM 89:7.

Consider one event that illustrates the angel's humility. In about 96 C.E., and unnamed angel delivered an awe-inspiring vision to the apostle John. (Revelation 1:1) How did John react to the vision? He tried to worship the angel. However, that loyal creature quickly stopped him, saying: "Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers . . .Worship God!"  (Revelation 19:10) What a humble response! The angel was not interested in glory or admiration. He immediately turned John's attention to Jehovah God. At the same time, the angel did not look down on John. Although the angel had served Jehovah for much longer and was much more powerful than John, he humbly referred to the apostle as his fellow slave. And even though the angel tried to correct John, he did not scold him or treat the elderly apostle harshly. Instead, the angel spoke kindly. He likely recognized that John was filled with awe.

We can also show humility if we have to correct or counsel someone-a fellow believer or our child. When counseling, we may have to be firm. But like the angel who corrected John kindly, we can be firm without making the person being counseled feel crushed. If we do not consider ourselves superior, we will deliver the Bible-based counsel in a respectful and compassionate manner.

Next time: THE ANGELS LOVE PEOPLE

From the jw.org publications

Imitate the Faithful Angels

 "Praise Jehovah, all you his angels." - PSALM 103:20.

WHEN Jehovah drew you to the truth, he invited you into a diverse and loving family of worshippers, which includes millions of faithful angels. (Daniel 7:9, 10) As we think of angels, we may reflect on how different they are from us. For example, the angels have existed far longer than we have been alive. (Job 38:4, 7) They are more powerful than we are. And they are holy and righteous to a degree that we cannot reach as imperfect humans. - LUKE 9:26. 

However, despite these differences, we have a lot in common with the angels. For example, like the angels, we can reflect Jehovah's find qualities. We have free will, as do the angels. Much like them, we have personal names and distinct personalities as well as various responsibilities. And, similar to the angels, we have a need to worship our Creator. - 1 PETER 1:12.

Since we have a lot in common with the angels, their good example can encourage and enlighten us. In fact, we can learn many find lessons from them. In this article, we will consider how we can imitate the humility of the faithful angels as well as their love for people, their endurance, and their efforts to keep the congregation clean. 

Next time: THE ANGELS ARE HUMBLE

From the jw.org publications  

Misconceptions about those who go to heaven - Conclusion

 Misconception: The number 144,000 mentioned in Revelation is symbolic, not literal. 

Fact: Although Revelation contains symbolic numbers, some of the numbers it uses are literal. For example, it speaks of "the 12 names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 2:14) Consider the evidence for concluding the number 144,000 should likewise be taken literally. 

Revelation 7:4 records "the number of those who were sealed [or confirmed to life in heaven}, 144,000." In the immediate context of this verse, a second group is contrasted: "a great crowd, which no man was able to number."  Those of the "great crowd" also received salvation from God.  (Revelation 7:9, 10) If the number 144, 000 were symbolic referring instead to a group without number, then the contrast between the two groups would be lost.

In addition, the144,000 are described as being "bought from among mankind as firstfruits." (Revelation 14:4) The expression "firstfruits" refers to a small representative selection. It aptly describes those who will rule in heaven with Christ over an undetermined number of subjects on earth. - REVELATION 5:10.

Next time: Imitate the Faithful Angels

From the jw.org publications