Throughout the Millennium, a wonderful miracle will be taking place. For mankind, it will be perhaps the most thrilling aspect of Christ's Thousand Year Reign. Jehovah will direct his Son to apply the benefits of the ransom sacrifice to each and every faithful and obedient man and woman. By that means, all sin will be removed and mankind will be raised to perfection. -1 John 2:2; Revelation 21:1-4.
Perfection! What will it mean? it will mean a return to life the way Adam and Eve enjoyed it before they sinned against Jehovah God. Physically, mentally, emotionally, morally, spiritually -in every way imaginable-perfect humans will fully meet God's standards. But will all people then be identical? Far from it! Jehovah's creation-trees, flowers, animals - all teach us that he loves variety. Perfect humans will have different personalities and talents. Each one will enjoy life as God meant it to be. Revelation 20:5 says: "The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended." Like the great crowd of Armageddon survivors,the resurrected ones will become fully alive when they reach sinless perfection.
Perfect humans will face one final test. At the end of the Millennium, Satan and his demons will be released from the abyss for a short time and will be permitted to make a final effort to turn people away from Jehovah. Some will put wrong desires above love of God,k but this rebellion will be cut short. Jehovah will execute these selfish ones along with Satan and all his demons. All wrongdoers will then be gone forever. -Revelation 20:7-10.
Next time: WHAT WILL YOU DO?
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
1.12.2012
1.11.2012
THE JOYOUS RESURRECTION
During that Millennium, the resurrection will take place. Those who willfully sinned against God's holy spirit, or active force, by unrepentantly acting contrary to its manifestation or leadings will not be resurrected. (Matthew 23:15, 33; Hebrews 6:4-6) Of course, God will decide who sinned in that way. But two distinct groups will be resurrected. - "the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) Since there will be proper order, it is reasonable to conclude that the first to be welcomed back to life on earth will be the righteous, those who served Jehovah loyally. -Hebrews 11:35-39.
Instead of hearing news about wars, disasters and death, Jehovah's servants will receive wonderful reports of the resurrection. It will be exciting to learn about the return of such faithful men and women as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Job, Moses, Rahab, Ruth, David, Elijah, Esther. What stirring historical facts they will present as they give background details of many Bible accounts! No doubt they and righteous ones who have died in more recent times will be just as eager to learn about the end of Satan's system and how Jehovah sanctified his holy name and vindicated his sovereignty.
How helpful these faithful ones will be during the next phase of the resurrection, when billions of "the unrighteous" are released from the bonds of death! Most of mankind never had a chance to know Jehovah. Satan was 'blinding their minds.' (2 Corinthians 4:4) But the Devil's work will be undone. The unrighteous will come back to a beautiful and peaceful earth. They will be welcomed by a people well organized to teach them about Jehovah and his reigning Son, Jesus Christ. As billions of resurrected ones come to know and love their Creator, the knowledge of Jehovah will fill the earth in an unprecedented way.
What joy the resurrection will bring to our hearts! Who has not suffered because of our enemy death? Indeed, who has not felt utterly shattered when some bond of love or friendship was torn apart as sickness, old age, accident or violence claimed the life of a loved one? Imagine, then, the joy of reunions in Paradise. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and relatives, will run into one another's arms, laughing and crying for joy.
Next time: PERFECTION AT LAST!
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Instead of hearing news about wars, disasters and death, Jehovah's servants will receive wonderful reports of the resurrection. It will be exciting to learn about the return of such faithful men and women as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Job, Moses, Rahab, Ruth, David, Elijah, Esther. What stirring historical facts they will present as they give background details of many Bible accounts! No doubt they and righteous ones who have died in more recent times will be just as eager to learn about the end of Satan's system and how Jehovah sanctified his holy name and vindicated his sovereignty.
How helpful these faithful ones will be during the next phase of the resurrection, when billions of "the unrighteous" are released from the bonds of death! Most of mankind never had a chance to know Jehovah. Satan was 'blinding their minds.' (2 Corinthians 4:4) But the Devil's work will be undone. The unrighteous will come back to a beautiful and peaceful earth. They will be welcomed by a people well organized to teach them about Jehovah and his reigning Son, Jesus Christ. As billions of resurrected ones come to know and love their Creator, the knowledge of Jehovah will fill the earth in an unprecedented way.
What joy the resurrection will bring to our hearts! Who has not suffered because of our enemy death? Indeed, who has not felt utterly shattered when some bond of love or friendship was torn apart as sickness, old age, accident or violence claimed the life of a loved one? Imagine, then, the joy of reunions in Paradise. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and relatives, will run into one another's arms, laughing and crying for joy.
Next time: PERFECTION AT LAST!
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
MANKIND TRANSFORMED
Isaiah 11:9 tells us why no harm will be done in all the earth. It says: "The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea." This pertains to people because animals cannot take in "the knowledge of Jehovah" and make changes, since they are governed by instinct. But the knowledge of our Creator does change people. No doubt you have already made some changes yourself as a result of applying the knowledge of God in your life. Millions have done so. Therefore, this prophecy has already begun to be fulfilled in those serving Jehovah. Yet, it also points to a time when people the world over will shed any animalistic or violent traits and become peaceable forever.
How grand it will be when the knowledge of god fills the earth! There will be and extensive educational program under the direction of the King Jesus Christ and his 144,000 corulers. New "scrolls" will then come into use. Evidently these are God's written instructions that will serve as a basis for educating earth's inhabitants. (Revelation 20:12) Mankind will learn, not war, but peace. All destructive weapons will be gone forever. (Psalm 46:9) Inhabitants of the new world will be taught to treat their fellow humans with love, respect, and dignity.
Mankind will become one united family. There will be no barriers to unity and brotherhood. ( Psalm 133:1-3) No one's home will have to be locked to keep thieves out. Peace will reign in every heart, in every house, in every part of the earth. -Micah 4:4.
Next time: THE JOYOUS RESURRECTION
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
How grand it will be when the knowledge of god fills the earth! There will be and extensive educational program under the direction of the King Jesus Christ and his 144,000 corulers. New "scrolls" will then come into use. Evidently these are God's written instructions that will serve as a basis for educating earth's inhabitants. (Revelation 20:12) Mankind will learn, not war, but peace. All destructive weapons will be gone forever. (Psalm 46:9) Inhabitants of the new world will be taught to treat their fellow humans with love, respect, and dignity.
Mankind will become one united family. There will be no barriers to unity and brotherhood. ( Psalm 133:1-3) No one's home will have to be locked to keep thieves out. Peace will reign in every heart, in every house, in every part of the earth. -Micah 4:4.
Next time: THE JOYOUS RESURRECTION
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
1.10.2012
AFTER ARMAGEDDON - A PARADISE EARTH
As shown earlier, Jehovah God will soon destroy the present wicked system of things. The world is rapidly approaching what the Bible calls Har-Magedon,or Armageddon. That word may make some people think of a nuclear holocaust brought about by warring nations, but Armageddon is nothing of the kind. As Revelation 16:14-16 shows, Armageddon is "the war of the great day of God Almighty." It is a war involving "the kings of the entire inhabited earth," or the nations. Jehovah God's Son, the appointed King, will soon ride forth into battle. The outcome is absolutely sure. All who oppose God's Kingdom and who are a part of Satan's wicked system will be eliminated. Only those loyal to Jehovah will survive. -Revelation 7(, 14; 19:11-21.
Imagine that you have survived the cataclysm. What would life be like on earth in God's promised new world? ( 2 Peter 3:13) We need not speculate, for the Bible tells us, and what it says is thrilling. We learn that Satan and his demons will be put our of commission, locked away in an abyss of inactivity during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. No longer will those wicked, malicious creatures be lurking behind the scenes, fomenting trouble and trying to goad us into acts of unfaithfulness against God,. What a relief! -Revelation 20:1-3.
In time, all forms of sickness will vanish. (Isaiah 33:24) The lame will then stand, walk, run and dance on sound, strong legs. After years of life in their world of silence, the deaf will hear the joyous sounds around them. The blind will gasp in awe as a rich world of color and form takes shape before their eyes. (Isaiah35:5, 6) At last, they will see the faces of their loved ones! (although the Bible says we will not recognize them) Perhaps then their vision will blur just momentarily with tears of joy.
Just think! No more eyeglasses, no more crutches and canes,no more medicines, no more dental clinics or hospitals! Never again will emotional illness and depression rob people of happiness. No childhood will be blighted by disease.The ravages of aging will be reversed. (Job 33:25) We will become healthier, stronger. Each morning we will wake from a refreshing night's sleep with renewed energy, filled with vigor and eager for a new day of vibrant life and satisfying work.
There will be plenty of enjoyable work to be done by Armageddon survivors. They will transform the earth into a paradise. Any vestiges of the polluted old system will be cleared away. Parks and gardens will emerge in place of slums and ruined land. All will enjoy comfortable, pleasant housing. (Isaiah 65:21) As time passes, those paradisaic parts of the earth will grow and merge until the entire globe meets the standard of beauty set by the Creator back in the garden of Eden. How satisfying it will be to share that work of restoration!
All of this will be done under divine guidance so that the environment will not be harmed. Humans will be at peace with the animals. Instead of wantonly slaughtering them, man will resume responsible stewardship over the earth, taking good care of them. Visualize wolves and lambs, lions and calves, feeding together-and the domestic animals are totally safe. Even a little child will have nothing to fear from wild beasts,nor will the tranquility of the new world be disrupted by cruel, ferocious people. (Isaiah 116-8) What a peaceful new world that will be!
Next time: MANKIND TRANSFORMED
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Imagine that you have survived the cataclysm. What would life be like on earth in God's promised new world? ( 2 Peter 3:13) We need not speculate, for the Bible tells us, and what it says is thrilling. We learn that Satan and his demons will be put our of commission, locked away in an abyss of inactivity during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. No longer will those wicked, malicious creatures be lurking behind the scenes, fomenting trouble and trying to goad us into acts of unfaithfulness against God,. What a relief! -Revelation 20:1-3.
In time, all forms of sickness will vanish. (Isaiah 33:24) The lame will then stand, walk, run and dance on sound, strong legs. After years of life in their world of silence, the deaf will hear the joyous sounds around them. The blind will gasp in awe as a rich world of color and form takes shape before their eyes. (Isaiah35:5, 6) At last, they will see the faces of their loved ones! (although the Bible says we will not recognize them) Perhaps then their vision will blur just momentarily with tears of joy.
Just think! No more eyeglasses, no more crutches and canes,no more medicines, no more dental clinics or hospitals! Never again will emotional illness and depression rob people of happiness. No childhood will be blighted by disease.The ravages of aging will be reversed. (Job 33:25) We will become healthier, stronger. Each morning we will wake from a refreshing night's sleep with renewed energy, filled with vigor and eager for a new day of vibrant life and satisfying work.
There will be plenty of enjoyable work to be done by Armageddon survivors. They will transform the earth into a paradise. Any vestiges of the polluted old system will be cleared away. Parks and gardens will emerge in place of slums and ruined land. All will enjoy comfortable, pleasant housing. (Isaiah 65:21) As time passes, those paradisaic parts of the earth will grow and merge until the entire globe meets the standard of beauty set by the Creator back in the garden of Eden. How satisfying it will be to share that work of restoration!
All of this will be done under divine guidance so that the environment will not be harmed. Humans will be at peace with the animals. Instead of wantonly slaughtering them, man will resume responsible stewardship over the earth, taking good care of them. Visualize wolves and lambs, lions and calves, feeding together-and the domestic animals are totally safe. Even a little child will have nothing to fear from wild beasts,nor will the tranquility of the new world be disrupted by cruel, ferocious people. (Isaiah 116-8) What a peaceful new world that will be!
Next time: MANKIND TRANSFORMED
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Chapter 19 - WHEN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD FILLS THE EARTH
SUPPOSE a great artist has just completed a splendid painting. He rightfully considers it to be very good-a masterpiece! But overnight a jealous rival defaces it. Understandably, this causes the artist great pain. How eager he is to see the vandal locked up! And you can imagine how the artist yearns to have his creation restored to its former beauty.
Like that artist, Jehovah created a masterpiece in preparing the earth and putting mankind upon it. After creating man and woman, he pronounce his earthly work "very good" (Genesis 1:31) Adam and Eve were God's own children, and he loved them. He envisioned a happy, glorious future for them. True, Satan let them into rebellion, but God's wonderful creatures was not damaged beyond repair. -Genesis 3:23, 24; 6:11, 12.
God has determined to set things straight. He dearly wants to see us live the way he originally purposed. Our short and troubled existence is not "the real life," for it is far inferior to what Jehovah has in mind. "The real life" that God wants for us is"everlasting life" under perfect conditions. -1 Timothy 6:12, 19.
The knowledge of God brings responsibility before Jehovah. (James 4:17) But think of the blessings you will enjoy if you apply that knowledge and reach out for everlasting life. In his Word, the Bible, Jehovah God has painted a beautiful picture of what that life will be like in the Paradise earth so near at hand. Of course, as Jehovah's people we do not serve God solely out of a desire for a reward. We serve God because we love him. (Mark 12:29, 30) Moreover, we do not earn life by serving Jehovah. Everlasting life is gift of God. (Romans 6:23) It will do us good to meditate on such a life because the Paradise hope reminds us of the kind of God Jehovah is -the loving "rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) A hope that burns brightly in our minds and hearts will enable us to endure hardships in Satan's world. -Jeremiah 23:20.
Let us now focus our attention of the Bible-based hope of everlasting life in the future Paradise. What will life be like when the knowledge of God fills the earth?
Next time: AFTER ARMAGEDDON - A PARADISE EARTH
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Like that artist, Jehovah created a masterpiece in preparing the earth and putting mankind upon it. After creating man and woman, he pronounce his earthly work "very good" (Genesis 1:31) Adam and Eve were God's own children, and he loved them. He envisioned a happy, glorious future for them. True, Satan let them into rebellion, but God's wonderful creatures was not damaged beyond repair. -Genesis 3:23, 24; 6:11, 12.
God has determined to set things straight. He dearly wants to see us live the way he originally purposed. Our short and troubled existence is not "the real life," for it is far inferior to what Jehovah has in mind. "The real life" that God wants for us is"everlasting life" under perfect conditions. -1 Timothy 6:12, 19.
The knowledge of God brings responsibility before Jehovah. (James 4:17) But think of the blessings you will enjoy if you apply that knowledge and reach out for everlasting life. In his Word, the Bible, Jehovah God has painted a beautiful picture of what that life will be like in the Paradise earth so near at hand. Of course, as Jehovah's people we do not serve God solely out of a desire for a reward. We serve God because we love him. (Mark 12:29, 30) Moreover, we do not earn life by serving Jehovah. Everlasting life is gift of God. (Romans 6:23) It will do us good to meditate on such a life because the Paradise hope reminds us of the kind of God Jehovah is -the loving "rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) A hope that burns brightly in our minds and hearts will enable us to endure hardships in Satan's world. -Jeremiah 23:20.
Let us now focus our attention of the Bible-based hope of everlasting life in the future Paradise. What will life be like when the knowledge of God fills the earth?
Next time: AFTER ARMAGEDDON - A PARADISE EARTH
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
1.09.2012
LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION AND BAPTISM
It is important to remember that baptism is not the end of your spiritual progress. It marks the beginning of lifelong service to God as an ordained minister and one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Although baptism is vitally important, it is not a guarantee of salvation. Jesus did not say: 'Everyone baptized will be saved.' Instead, he said: "He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." (Mark 24:13) Therefore, it is vital that you seek God's Kingdom first by making it the paramount concern in your life. -Matthew 6:25-34.
To endure in your service to Jehovah, you will want to set spiritual goals for yourself. One worthy goal is to further your knowledge of God through regularly, for the association you find there will will help to give you spiritual strength. For your part, why not make it your goal to comment at congregation meetings and thus praise Jehovah and seek to upbuild others? (Romans 1:11, 12) Another goal might be to improve the quality of your prayers. -Luke 11:2-4.
If you are to live up to the meaning of your baptism, you need to pay constant attention to what you do, letting God's holy spirit produce in your such qualities as love, joy, peace, long-suffering,kindness, faith, mildness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23; 2 Peter 3:11) Remember, Jehovah gives his holy spirit to all who pray for it and obey him as his faithful servants. (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32) So pray to God for his spirit and ask him for help in displaying qualities that please him. Such qualities will become more evident in your speech and conduct as you respond to the influence of God's spirit. Of course, every individual in the Christian congregation is striving to develop "the new personality" so as to become more like Christ. (Colossians 3:9-14) Each one of us faces different challenges in doing this because we are at varying stages of spiritual progress. Since you are imperfect, you must work hard to have a Christlike personality. But never despair in this regard, for it is possible with God's help.
Among your spiritual goals should be that of imitating Jesus' joyful example more closely. (Hebrews 12:1-3) He loved the ministry. If you are privileged to share in the Kingdom-preaching activity, then, do not let it become mere routine. Seek to find satisfaction in teaching others about God's Kingdom as Jesus did. Put to use the instruction that the congregation provides to help you improve as a teacher. And be assured that Jehovah can give you the strength to carry out your ministry. -1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
A dedicated, baptized person faithfully endeavoring to follow Jesus is special to God. Jehovah examines all the billions of human hearts and knows how rare such individuals are. He considers them to be treasures, "desirable things." (Haggai 2:7) Bible prophecies show that God views such ones as marked to survive the execution of his judgment soon to come upon this wicked system of things. (Ezekiel 9:1-6; Malachi 3:16, 18) Are you "rightly disposed for everlasting life"? (Acts 13:48) Is it your earnest desire to be marked as one serving God? Dedication and baptism are part of that mark, and they are essential for survival.
After the global Flood, Noah and his family came out of the ark into a cleansed earth. Similarly today, "a great crowd" who apply the knowledge of God in their lives and gain Jehovah's approval have the prospect of surviving the end of this wicked system of things and enjoying everlasting life on a permanently cleansed earth. (Revelation 7:9, 14) What will that life be like?
Next time: WHEN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD FILLS THE EARTH
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
To endure in your service to Jehovah, you will want to set spiritual goals for yourself. One worthy goal is to further your knowledge of God through regularly, for the association you find there will will help to give you spiritual strength. For your part, why not make it your goal to comment at congregation meetings and thus praise Jehovah and seek to upbuild others? (Romans 1:11, 12) Another goal might be to improve the quality of your prayers. -Luke 11:2-4.
If you are to live up to the meaning of your baptism, you need to pay constant attention to what you do, letting God's holy spirit produce in your such qualities as love, joy, peace, long-suffering,kindness, faith, mildness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23; 2 Peter 3:11) Remember, Jehovah gives his holy spirit to all who pray for it and obey him as his faithful servants. (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32) So pray to God for his spirit and ask him for help in displaying qualities that please him. Such qualities will become more evident in your speech and conduct as you respond to the influence of God's spirit. Of course, every individual in the Christian congregation is striving to develop "the new personality" so as to become more like Christ. (Colossians 3:9-14) Each one of us faces different challenges in doing this because we are at varying stages of spiritual progress. Since you are imperfect, you must work hard to have a Christlike personality. But never despair in this regard, for it is possible with God's help.
Among your spiritual goals should be that of imitating Jesus' joyful example more closely. (Hebrews 12:1-3) He loved the ministry. If you are privileged to share in the Kingdom-preaching activity, then, do not let it become mere routine. Seek to find satisfaction in teaching others about God's Kingdom as Jesus did. Put to use the instruction that the congregation provides to help you improve as a teacher. And be assured that Jehovah can give you the strength to carry out your ministry. -1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
A dedicated, baptized person faithfully endeavoring to follow Jesus is special to God. Jehovah examines all the billions of human hearts and knows how rare such individuals are. He considers them to be treasures, "desirable things." (Haggai 2:7) Bible prophecies show that God views such ones as marked to survive the execution of his judgment soon to come upon this wicked system of things. (Ezekiel 9:1-6; Malachi 3:16, 18) Are you "rightly disposed for everlasting life"? (Acts 13:48) Is it your earnest desire to be marked as one serving God? Dedication and baptism are part of that mark, and they are essential for survival.
After the global Flood, Noah and his family came out of the ark into a cleansed earth. Similarly today, "a great crowd" who apply the knowledge of God in their lives and gain Jehovah's approval have the prospect of surviving the end of this wicked system of things and enjoying everlasting life on a permanently cleansed earth. (Revelation 7:9, 14) What will that life be like?
Next time: WHEN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD FILLS THE EARTH
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
ARE YOU READY FOR BAPTISM?
Since baptism means so much and is the most important milestone in a person's life, is it a step that you should fear? Not at all! While the decision to be baptized is not to be taken lightly, it is unquestionably the wisest one you could possibly make.
Baptism gives evidence of your choice to serve Jehovah God. Think about people with whom you come in contact. In one way or another, is not each one of them serving a master? Some slave for riches. (Matthew 6:24) Others diligently pursue their careers or serve themselves by making the fulfillment of their own desires paramount in life. Still others serve false gods. But you have chosen to serve the true God, Jehovah. No one else shows as much kindness, compassion and love. God dignifies humans with purposeful work that points them to salvation. He rewards his servants with everlasting life. Surely, following Jesus' example and giving your life to Jehovah is not a course to fear. Actually, it is the only one that pleases God and makes perfect sense. -1 Kings 18:21.
Yet, baptism is not a step to be taken because of pressure. It is a personal matter between you and Jehovah. (Galatians 6:4) as you have made spiritual progress, you may have wondered: "What prevents me from getting baptized?" (Acts 8:35, 36) You might ask yourself, 'Is family opposition holding me back? Am I still involved in some unscriptural situation or sinful practice? Could it be that I am afraid of losing favor in the community?' These are some of the factors to consider, but weigh them realistically.
It is not realistic to weigh the costs without considering the benefits of serving Jehovah. For instance, consider the matter of family opposition. Jesus promised that even if his disciples lost their relatives because of following him, they would gain a larger spiritual family. (Mark 10:29, 30) These fellow believers will show you brotherly love, help you to endure persecution, and support the road to life. (1 Peter 5:9) Especially can the congregation elders help you to cope with problems and to meet other challenges successfully. (James 5:14-16) As to losing favor in this world, you may well ask yourself, 'what can possibly compare to having the approval of the Creator of the universe, causing him to rejoice over my chosen life course?' -Proverbs 27:11.
Next time: LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION AND BAPTISM
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life,1995
Baptism gives evidence of your choice to serve Jehovah God. Think about people with whom you come in contact. In one way or another, is not each one of them serving a master? Some slave for riches. (Matthew 6:24) Others diligently pursue their careers or serve themselves by making the fulfillment of their own desires paramount in life. Still others serve false gods. But you have chosen to serve the true God, Jehovah. No one else shows as much kindness, compassion and love. God dignifies humans with purposeful work that points them to salvation. He rewards his servants with everlasting life. Surely, following Jesus' example and giving your life to Jehovah is not a course to fear. Actually, it is the only one that pleases God and makes perfect sense. -1 Kings 18:21.
Yet, baptism is not a step to be taken because of pressure. It is a personal matter between you and Jehovah. (Galatians 6:4) as you have made spiritual progress, you may have wondered: "What prevents me from getting baptized?" (Acts 8:35, 36) You might ask yourself, 'Is family opposition holding me back? Am I still involved in some unscriptural situation or sinful practice? Could it be that I am afraid of losing favor in the community?' These are some of the factors to consider, but weigh them realistically.
It is not realistic to weigh the costs without considering the benefits of serving Jehovah. For instance, consider the matter of family opposition. Jesus promised that even if his disciples lost their relatives because of following him, they would gain a larger spiritual family. (Mark 10:29, 30) These fellow believers will show you brotherly love, help you to endure persecution, and support the road to life. (1 Peter 5:9) Especially can the congregation elders help you to cope with problems and to meet other challenges successfully. (James 5:14-16) As to losing favor in this world, you may well ask yourself, 'what can possibly compare to having the approval of the Creator of the universe, causing him to rejoice over my chosen life course?' -Proverbs 27:11.
Next time: LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION AND BAPTISM
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life,1995
1.08.2012
BAPTISM - WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
According to Jesus, all those who become his disciples must be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Why is this necessary after you have made a dedication to God? Since you have dedicated yourself to Jehovah, he knows that you love him. But no doubt you will want to take further action in order to let others know about your love for God. Well, baptism affords you the opportunity to make your dedication to Jehovah God known publicly. -Romans 10:9, 10.
Baptism is rich in symbolic meaning. As you are submerged, or "buried,"
beneath the water, it is as though you have died to your former course of life. When you come up out of the water, it is as if you are emerging to a new life, one that is governed by God's will and not your own. Of course, that does not mean that you will make no more mistakes, for all of us are imperfect and therefore sin daily. However, as a dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah, you will have entered into a special relationship with him. Because of your repentance and your humble submission to baptism, Jehovah is willing to forgive your sins on the basis of Jesus' ransom sacrifice. Baptism thus leads to a clean conscience before God. -1 Peter 3:21.
Jesus commanded his followers to baptize new disciples "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit." (Matthew 28:19) What did Jesus mean? Baptism "in the name of the Father" indicates that the person being baptized and wholeheartedly accepts Jehovah God as the Creator and the rightful Sovereign of the universe. (Psalm 36:9; 83:18; Ecclesiastes 12:1) Being baptized 'in the name of the Son' means that the individual acknowledges Jesus Christ-and particularly His ransom sacrifice-as the only means of salvation provided by God. (Acts 4:12) Baptism 'in the name of the holy spirit' signifies that the baptismal candidate recognizes Jehovah's holy spirit or active force as God's instrument for carrying out His purposes and for empowering His servants to do his righteous will in association with His spirit-directed organization. -Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30; John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:21.
Next time: ARE YOU READY FOR BAPTISM?
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Baptism is rich in symbolic meaning. As you are submerged, or "buried,"
beneath the water, it is as though you have died to your former course of life. When you come up out of the water, it is as if you are emerging to a new life, one that is governed by God's will and not your own. Of course, that does not mean that you will make no more mistakes, for all of us are imperfect and therefore sin daily. However, as a dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah, you will have entered into a special relationship with him. Because of your repentance and your humble submission to baptism, Jehovah is willing to forgive your sins on the basis of Jesus' ransom sacrifice. Baptism thus leads to a clean conscience before God. -1 Peter 3:21.
Jesus commanded his followers to baptize new disciples "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit." (Matthew 28:19) What did Jesus mean? Baptism "in the name of the Father" indicates that the person being baptized and wholeheartedly accepts Jehovah God as the Creator and the rightful Sovereign of the universe. (Psalm 36:9; 83:18; Ecclesiastes 12:1) Being baptized 'in the name of the Son' means that the individual acknowledges Jesus Christ-and particularly His ransom sacrifice-as the only means of salvation provided by God. (Acts 4:12) Baptism 'in the name of the holy spirit' signifies that the baptismal candidate recognizes Jehovah's holy spirit or active force as God's instrument for carrying out His purposes and for empowering His servants to do his righteous will in association with His spirit-directed organization. -Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30; John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:21.
Next time: ARE YOU READY FOR BAPTISM?
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
STEPS THAT LEAD TO LIFE ETERNAL
Unlike Jesus, we are imperfect and can reach the milestone of baptism only after taking accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ into our heart. Doing this causes us to exercise faith and to have profound love for God. (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6) Compliance with God's laws, principles and standards should move us to repent, expressing godly sorrow over our past sins. This leads to conversion, that is, to a turning around and abandoning any wrong course we followed when we did not have the knowledge of God. (Acts 3:19) Naturally, if we are still secretly practicing some sin instead of doing what is righteous, we have not really turned around, nor have we fooled God, Jehovah detects all hypocrisy. - Luke 12:2, 3.
Now that you have been taking in the knowledge of God, is it not fitting to consider spiritual matters in a very personal way? Probably you are eager to tell your relatives, friends and others what you are learning. In fact, you may already have been doing this,even as Jesus shared the good news with others in informal settings. (Luke 10:38, 39; John 4:6-15) Now you may want to do more. Christian elders will be glad to talk with you in order to determine whether you are qualified and able to have some share in the regular Kingdom preaching activity of Jehovah's Witnesses. If you are, the elders will make arrangements for you to accompany a Witness in the ministry. Jesus' disciples followed his instructions in order to carry out their ministry in an orderly way. (Mark 6:7, 30; Luke 10:1) You will benefit from similar help as you share in spreading the Kingdom message from house to house and in other ways. -Acts 20:20, 21.
Preaching the good news to all kinds of people in the congregation's territory is a way to find those who are righteously disposed and is among the fine works proving that you have faith. (Acts 10:34, 35; James 2:17, 18, 26) Regular attendance at Christian meetings and having a meaningful share in the preaching work are also ways to demonstrate that you have repented and turned around and are now determined to live in accord with the knowledge of God. What is the next logical step? It is to make a dedication to Jehovah God. This means that in heartfelt prayer, you tell God that you are willingly and wholeheartedly giving your life to him to do his will. This is the way to dedicate yourself to Jehovah and accept the kindly y0ke of Jesus Christ. -Matthew 11:29, 30.
Next time: BAPTISM - WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
Now that you have been taking in the knowledge of God, is it not fitting to consider spiritual matters in a very personal way? Probably you are eager to tell your relatives, friends and others what you are learning. In fact, you may already have been doing this,even as Jesus shared the good news with others in informal settings. (Luke 10:38, 39; John 4:6-15) Now you may want to do more. Christian elders will be glad to talk with you in order to determine whether you are qualified and able to have some share in the regular Kingdom preaching activity of Jehovah's Witnesses. If you are, the elders will make arrangements for you to accompany a Witness in the ministry. Jesus' disciples followed his instructions in order to carry out their ministry in an orderly way. (Mark 6:7, 30; Luke 10:1) You will benefit from similar help as you share in spreading the Kingdom message from house to house and in other ways. -Acts 20:20, 21.
Preaching the good news to all kinds of people in the congregation's territory is a way to find those who are righteously disposed and is among the fine works proving that you have faith. (Acts 10:34, 35; James 2:17, 18, 26) Regular attendance at Christian meetings and having a meaningful share in the preaching work are also ways to demonstrate that you have repented and turned around and are now determined to live in accord with the knowledge of God. What is the next logical step? It is to make a dedication to Jehovah God. This means that in heartfelt prayer, you tell God that you are willingly and wholeheartedly giving your life to him to do his will. This is the way to dedicate yourself to Jehovah and accept the kindly y0ke of Jesus Christ. -Matthew 11:29, 30.
Next time: BAPTISM - WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
1.07.2012
HOW JESUS USED THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
Jesus Christ has a more intimate knowledge of God than others do. He lived and worked with Jehovah God in heaven for ages before coming to earth. (Colossians 1:15, 16) And what did Jesus do with all that knowledge? He was not satisfied with merely possessing it. Jesus live by it. That is why he was so kind, patient and loving in his dealings with fellow humans. Jesus was thus imitating his heavenly Father and acting in harmony with his knowledge of Jehovah's ways and personality. -John 8:23, 28, 29,38; 1 John 4:8.
The knowledge Jesus had also moved him to take a crucial step. He came from Galilee to the Jordan River, where John baptized him. (Matthew 3:13-15) what did Jesus' baptism symbolize? As a Jew, he was born into a nation dedicated to God. Hence, Jesus had been dedicated from birth. (Exodus 19:5, 6) By submitting to baptism, he was presenting himself to Jehovah to do the divine will for him at that time. (Hebrews 10:5, 7) And Jesus lived up to the meaning of his baptism. He spent himself in Jehovah's service, sharing the knowledge of God with people at every opportunity. Jesus found delight in doing God's will,m even saying that this was like food for him. -John 4:34.
Jesus fully realized that doing Jehovah's will would be very costly-that it would even cost him his life. Nevertheless, Jesus disowned himself, putting his personal needs in second place. Doing God's will always came first. In this respect, how can we follow Jesus' perfect example?
Next time: STEPS THAT LEAD TO LIFE ETERNAL
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
The knowledge Jesus had also moved him to take a crucial step. He came from Galilee to the Jordan River, where John baptized him. (Matthew 3:13-15) what did Jesus' baptism symbolize? As a Jew, he was born into a nation dedicated to God. Hence, Jesus had been dedicated from birth. (Exodus 19:5, 6) By submitting to baptism, he was presenting himself to Jehovah to do the divine will for him at that time. (Hebrews 10:5, 7) And Jesus lived up to the meaning of his baptism. He spent himself in Jehovah's service, sharing the knowledge of God with people at every opportunity. Jesus found delight in doing God's will,m even saying that this was like food for him. -John 4:34.
Jesus fully realized that doing Jehovah's will would be very costly-that it would even cost him his life. Nevertheless, Jesus disowned himself, putting his personal needs in second place. Doing God's will always came first. In this respect, how can we follow Jesus' perfect example?
Next time: STEPS THAT LEAD TO LIFE ETERNAL
The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995
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