How You Can Find Out What God Requires
1. The Bible is a precious gift from God. It is like a letter from a loving father to his children. It tells us the truth about God-who he is and what he stands for. It explains how to cope wtih problems and how to find true happiness. The Bible alone tells us what we must do to please God. - Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 48:17, 18.
2. The Bible was written by some 40 different men over a period of 1,600 years, beginning in 1513 B.C.E. It is made up of 66 little books. Those who wrote the Bible were inspired by God. They wrote his thoughts, not their own. So God in heaven, not any human on earth, is the Author of the Bible. - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2Peter1:20, 21.
3.God made sure that the Bible was accurately copied and preserved. More Bibles have been printed than any other book. Not everyone will be happy to see you studying the Bible, but do not let that stop you. Your eternal future depends on your getting to know God and doing his will despite any opposition. - Matthew 5:10-12; John 17:3.
10.30.2006
10.29.2006
What Is The Holy Spirit?
In the Bible, God's holy spirit is identified as God's power in action. Hence, an accurate translation of the Bible's Hebrew text refers to God's spirit as "God's active force." (Genesis 1:2) This concept is well supported throughout the Bible. - Micah 3:8; Luke 1:35; Acts 10:38.
Contrary to popular belief, God is not present everywhere at all times. Rather, he dwells in the spirit realm, in an "established place of dwelling," or residence. (1Kings 8:39; 2Chronicles 6:39) The Scriptures also refer to a specific place where God lives and has his "throne." (1Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1-3) However, from his "established place of dwelling," he can use his active force to reach out into every corner of both the spirit realm and the physical realm. -Psalm 139:7.
Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God's ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: " For example, we say, 'open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.' We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun." Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is - God's powerful active force- can give you confidene that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.
In the Bible, God's holy spirit is identified as God's power in action. Hence, an accurate translation of the Bible's Hebrew text refers to God's spirit as "God's active force." (Genesis 1:2) This concept is well supported throughout the Bible. - Micah 3:8; Luke 1:35; Acts 10:38.
Contrary to popular belief, God is not present everywhere at all times. Rather, he dwells in the spirit realm, in an "established place of dwelling," or residence. (1Kings 8:39; 2Chronicles 6:39) The Scriptures also refer to a specific place where God lives and has his "throne." (1Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1-3) However, from his "established place of dwelling," he can use his active force to reach out into every corner of both the spirit realm and the physical realm. -Psalm 139:7.
Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God's ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: " For example, we say, 'open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.' We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun." Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is - God's powerful active force- can give you confidene that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.
10.27.2006
What The Bible Says
An honest Bible reader cannot help but conclude that the holy spirit differs from official church descriptions of it as a person. Consider the following Bible accounts.
1. When Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, the Bible says that the unborn child in Elizabeth's womb leaped, "and Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit." (Luke 1:41) Is it reasonable that a person would be "filled" with another person?
2. When John the Baptizer spoke to his disciples about Jesus as the one who would succeed him, John said: " I, for my part, baptize you with water... but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize you people with holy spirit." (Matthew 3:11) John could hardly have been referring to the holy spirit as a person when he spoke of baptizing people with it.
3. While visiting a Roman army officer and his family, the apostle Peter spoke of Jesus as having been anointed by God "with holy spirit and power." (Acts 10:38) Shortly afterward, "the holy spirit fell upon" the army officer's household. The account says that many were amazed "because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations." (Acts 10:44,45) Here again, the terms used are inconsistent with the idea of the holy spirit being a person.
It is not unusual for God's Word to personify things that are not a person. These include wisdom, discernment, sin, death and undeserved kindness. (Proverbs 8:1- 9:6; Romans 5:14, 17, 21; 6:12) Jesus himself said that "wisdom is proved righteous by all its children." or its good results. (Luke 7:35) Clearly, wisdom is not a person that has literal children! Likewise, the holy spirit is not a person simply because in some instances it is personified.
An honest Bible reader cannot help but conclude that the holy spirit differs from official church descriptions of it as a person. Consider the following Bible accounts.
1. When Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, the Bible says that the unborn child in Elizabeth's womb leaped, "and Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit." (Luke 1:41) Is it reasonable that a person would be "filled" with another person?
2. When John the Baptizer spoke to his disciples about Jesus as the one who would succeed him, John said: " I, for my part, baptize you with water... but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize you people with holy spirit." (Matthew 3:11) John could hardly have been referring to the holy spirit as a person when he spoke of baptizing people with it.
3. While visiting a Roman army officer and his family, the apostle Peter spoke of Jesus as having been anointed by God "with holy spirit and power." (Acts 10:38) Shortly afterward, "the holy spirit fell upon" the army officer's household. The account says that many were amazed "because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations." (Acts 10:44,45) Here again, the terms used are inconsistent with the idea of the holy spirit being a person.
It is not unusual for God's Word to personify things that are not a person. These include wisdom, discernment, sin, death and undeserved kindness. (Proverbs 8:1- 9:6; Romans 5:14, 17, 21; 6:12) Jesus himself said that "wisdom is proved righteous by all its children." or its good results. (Luke 7:35) Clearly, wisdom is not a person that has literal children! Likewise, the holy spirit is not a person simply because in some instances it is personified.
10.26.2006
Is The Holy Spirit A Person?
What is God's holy spirit? In its opening words, the Bible speaks of the holy spirit-also rendered "God's active force"-as moving to and fro over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) In the account of Jesus' baptism, while God is described as being "in the heavens," the holy spirit appears "descending like a dove" upon Jesus. (Matthew 3:16, 17) Additionally, Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a "helper." - John 14:16.
These and other Bible passages have led some to conclude that the holy spirit is a person, just as God, Jesus, and the angels are individual spirit persons. In fact, for centuries some of the most influential religions of Christendom have attributed personality to the holy spirit. Despite this long-standing doctrine, many church members remin confused, and some even disagree with their religious leaders. For instance, according to a recent survey, 61 percent of those interviewed believe that God's presence or power but is not a living entity." What, though, does the Bible say?
Next time: What The Bible Says
What is God's holy spirit? In its opening words, the Bible speaks of the holy spirit-also rendered "God's active force"-as moving to and fro over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) In the account of Jesus' baptism, while God is described as being "in the heavens," the holy spirit appears "descending like a dove" upon Jesus. (Matthew 3:16, 17) Additionally, Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a "helper." - John 14:16.
These and other Bible passages have led some to conclude that the holy spirit is a person, just as God, Jesus, and the angels are individual spirit persons. In fact, for centuries some of the most influential religions of Christendom have attributed personality to the holy spirit. Despite this long-standing doctrine, many church members remin confused, and some even disagree with their religious leaders. For instance, according to a recent survey, 61 percent of those interviewed believe that God's presence or power but is not a living entity." What, though, does the Bible say?
Next time: What The Bible Says
10.25.2006
You Can Build A Happy Marriage!
True, building a happy marriage is not easy. However, when marriage mates are determined to work hard to include God in their union, happiness and security will result. Thus, watch closely the spiritual dimension in your family; have a rock - solid commitment to marriage. And remember that according to the words of Jesus, neither the husband nor the wife receives all the credit for a happy marriage. Rather, the credit primarily goes to the originator of marriage, Jehvoah God. "What God has yoked together let no man put apart." - Matthew 19:6.
What Can Help You To Build A Happy Marriage?
Study God's Word along with your mate regularly, and pray to God for help and guidance in resolving problems. - Proverbs 3:5, 6; Philippians 4:6,7; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Confine sexual interest exclusively to your mate.- Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4.
Communicate openly, honestly and lovingly about your problems and differences.- Proverbs 15:22; 20:5; 25:11.
Speak to your mate in a kind, considerate manner; avoid outbursts of anger, nagging and harsh critical remarks. - Proverbs 15:1; 20:3; 21:9; 31:26, 28; Ephesians 4:31, 32.
Humbly apply Bible counsel even if you feel taht your mate is not doing everything he or she should be doing. -Romans 14:12; 1Peter 3:1,2.
Work hard to cultivate the spiritual qualities mentioned in the Bible.- Galatians 5:22, 23; Colossians 3:12-14; 1Peter 3:3-6.
True, building a happy marriage is not easy. However, when marriage mates are determined to work hard to include God in their union, happiness and security will result. Thus, watch closely the spiritual dimension in your family; have a rock - solid commitment to marriage. And remember that according to the words of Jesus, neither the husband nor the wife receives all the credit for a happy marriage. Rather, the credit primarily goes to the originator of marriage, Jehvoah God. "What God has yoked together let no man put apart." - Matthew 19:6.
What Can Help You To Build A Happy Marriage?
Study God's Word along with your mate regularly, and pray to God for help and guidance in resolving problems. - Proverbs 3:5, 6; Philippians 4:6,7; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Confine sexual interest exclusively to your mate.- Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4.
Communicate openly, honestly and lovingly about your problems and differences.- Proverbs 15:22; 20:5; 25:11.
Speak to your mate in a kind, considerate manner; avoid outbursts of anger, nagging and harsh critical remarks. - Proverbs 15:1; 20:3; 21:9; 31:26, 28; Ephesians 4:31, 32.
Humbly apply Bible counsel even if you feel taht your mate is not doing everything he or she should be doing. -Romans 14:12; 1Peter 3:1,2.
Work hard to cultivate the spiritual qualities mentioned in the Bible.- Galatians 5:22, 23; Colossians 3:12-14; 1Peter 3:3-6.
10.24.2006
When Problems Arise
For a building to stand the test of time, a good maintenance program is necessary. When husband and wife regularly support each other in their goals and when they show honor and respect for each other, their marriage is kept strong. Selfishness does not take root, and anger is kept under control.
Deep unresolved anger and frustration can kill love and affection in a marriage. The apostle Paul counseled men: " You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them." (Colossians 3:19) The same principle applies to wives. When spouses strive to be considerate, kind and understanding, they contribute to their happiness and contentment. Avoiding ill-tempered and confrontational behavior helps prevent conflict when difficulties arise. "Become kind to one another," urged Paul, "tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another." - Ephesians 4:32.
What if feelings of powerlessness, exasperation, or being underappreciated cause annoyance? In a calm manner, state clearly to your mate the reason for your concern. However, it may be best to let love cover over minor matters. - 1 Peter 4:8.
One husband, who has experienced serveral trials during his marriage of 35 years, says that no matter how angry you may feel toward your mate, you should "never stop talking." He wisely adds, " Don't ever stop loving."
Next time: You Can Build A Happy Marriage
For a building to stand the test of time, a good maintenance program is necessary. When husband and wife regularly support each other in their goals and when they show honor and respect for each other, their marriage is kept strong. Selfishness does not take root, and anger is kept under control.
Deep unresolved anger and frustration can kill love and affection in a marriage. The apostle Paul counseled men: " You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them." (Colossians 3:19) The same principle applies to wives. When spouses strive to be considerate, kind and understanding, they contribute to their happiness and contentment. Avoiding ill-tempered and confrontational behavior helps prevent conflict when difficulties arise. "Become kind to one another," urged Paul, "tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another." - Ephesians 4:32.
What if feelings of powerlessness, exasperation, or being underappreciated cause annoyance? In a calm manner, state clearly to your mate the reason for your concern. However, it may be best to let love cover over minor matters. - 1 Peter 4:8.
One husband, who has experienced serveral trials during his marriage of 35 years, says that no matter how angry you may feel toward your mate, you should "never stop talking." He wisely adds, " Don't ever stop loving."
Next time: You Can Build A Happy Marriage
10.23.2006
Use Fireproof Materials
For a house to last and be safe, it must be well built. Therefore, resolve to build your marriage with an eye to a lasting future. Use durable materials, the kind that can withstand fiery tests of your loyalty. Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God's laws and genuine faith.
Happiness and contentment in marriage are not built on material possessions or secular advancement. They are built in the heart and mind, and these traits are strengthened by the truths from the Word of God. The exhortation "Let each one keep watching how he is building" can also be applied to marriage. - 1Corinthians 3:10.
Next time:When Problems Arise
For a house to last and be safe, it must be well built. Therefore, resolve to build your marriage with an eye to a lasting future. Use durable materials, the kind that can withstand fiery tests of your loyalty. Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God's laws and genuine faith.
Happiness and contentment in marriage are not built on material possessions or secular advancement. They are built in the heart and mind, and these traits are strengthened by the truths from the Word of God. The exhortation "Let each one keep watching how he is building" can also be applied to marriage. - 1Corinthians 3:10.
Next time:When Problems Arise
10.22.2006
Build On A Solid Foundation
Inevitably, stormlike trials will lash at the foundation of your marriage. This will test the underpinnings of your relationship with your spouse. However, the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage is loyal commitment based on love. Jesus highlighted the importance of commitment when he said: " No one should separate a couple that God has joined together." (Matthew 19:6 Contemporary English Version) The expression "no one" would include the man and his wife, who have vowed to remain faithful to each other.
Some may view commitment as burdensome, its demands and costs being too great. Today convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone.
What can sustain marital commitment? The apostle Paul wrote: "Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies." (Ephesians 5:28, 29) In part, then, being " joined together" means that you feel as concerned about the welfare of your mate as you do about your own. Married people need to shift their thinking from "mine" to "ours," from "me" to "we."
Successfully weathering stormy attacks on your marriage will make you wise. Such acquired wisdom can result in happiness. "Happy is the man that has found wisdom," notes Proverbs 3:13.
Next time: Use Fireproof Materials
Inevitably, stormlike trials will lash at the foundation of your marriage. This will test the underpinnings of your relationship with your spouse. However, the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage is loyal commitment based on love. Jesus highlighted the importance of commitment when he said: " No one should separate a couple that God has joined together." (Matthew 19:6 Contemporary English Version) The expression "no one" would include the man and his wife, who have vowed to remain faithful to each other.
Some may view commitment as burdensome, its demands and costs being too great. Today convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone.
What can sustain marital commitment? The apostle Paul wrote: "Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies." (Ephesians 5:28, 29) In part, then, being " joined together" means that you feel as concerned about the welfare of your mate as you do about your own. Married people need to shift their thinking from "mine" to "ours," from "me" to "we."
Successfully weathering stormy attacks on your marriage will make you wise. Such acquired wisdom can result in happiness. "Happy is the man that has found wisdom," notes Proverbs 3:13.
Next time: Use Fireproof Materials
10.19.2006
Follow The Blueprint Carefully
A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing. Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God's blueprint for the project. It is found in the pages of God's Word. "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.... for setting things straight," wrote the apostle Paul. - 2Timothy 3:16.
Husbands and wives can learn a great deal about marriage by considering how Jesus dealt with his disciples. How so? In the Bible the relationship between Jesus and those who will rule with him in heaven is likened to that between a man and his wife. (2Corinthians 11:2) Jesus remained loyal to his associates, even during the most tribulent times. "He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) As a compassionate leader, Jesus always took into consideration the limitations and frailtokies of his followers. He never demanded them more than they were able to do or give. - John 16:12.
Next time: Build upon A Solid Foundation
A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing. Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God's blueprint for the project. It is found in the pages of God's Word. "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.... for setting things straight," wrote the apostle Paul. - 2Timothy 3:16.
Husbands and wives can learn a great deal about marriage by considering how Jesus dealt with his disciples. How so? In the Bible the relationship between Jesus and those who will rule with him in heaven is likened to that between a man and his wife. (2Corinthians 11:2) Jesus remained loyal to his associates, even during the most tribulent times. "He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) As a compassionate leader, Jesus always took into consideration the limitations and frailtokies of his followers. He never demanded them more than they were able to do or give. - John 16:12.
Next time: Build upon A Solid Foundation
10.18.2006
How To Build A Happy Marriage
Our Maker, Jehovah God, instituted marriage as a permanent union between a man and a woman. Says Genesis 2:18, 22-24 "Jehovah God went on to say: ' It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.' And Jehovah God proceeded to build a rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man. Then the man said: 'This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken.' That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.
True, building a lasting, happy marriage is not easy, but it is certainly possible. many couples have been happily married for 50, 60 or more years. How do they do it? They work at their marriage continually and unselfishly to "gain approval" of their mate. (1 Corinthians 7:33, 34) That takes work. If you are willing to invest the time and effort, you too can build a happy marriage, one that will last a long time.
Next time: Follow The Blueprint Carefully
Our Maker, Jehovah God, instituted marriage as a permanent union between a man and a woman. Says Genesis 2:18, 22-24 "Jehovah God went on to say: ' It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.' And Jehovah God proceeded to build a rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man. Then the man said: 'This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken.' That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.
True, building a lasting, happy marriage is not easy, but it is certainly possible. many couples have been happily married for 50, 60 or more years. How do they do it? They work at their marriage continually and unselfishly to "gain approval" of their mate. (1 Corinthians 7:33, 34) That takes work. If you are willing to invest the time and effort, you too can build a happy marriage, one that will last a long time.
Next time: Follow The Blueprint Carefully
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