Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship - A Long Struggle Reaches a Climax

 

For much of his life Elijah had helplessly watched as the best thing about his homeland and his people was pushed aside and trampled underfoot. You see, Israel was in the grip of a long struggle. A war between pure religion and false, betweeb the worship of Jehovah God and the idolatry of the surrounding nations.  In Elijah's day, that struggle had taken an especially ugly turn.

King Ahab had deeply offended Jehovah. He married Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon.  Jezebel was determined to spread Baal worship in the land of Israel and to eradicate the worship of Jehovah. Ahab quickly fell under her influence. He built a temple amd an altar to Baal and took the lead in bowing down to this pagan god. - 1 KINGS 16:30-33. 

What made Baal worship so offensive?  It seduced Israel, turning many away from the true God. It was also a disgusting and brutal religion. It inovlved male and femal temple prostitution, sexual orgies, and even the sacrifice of children.  Jehovah responded by sending Elijah to Ahan to announce a drought that would last until God's prophet proclaimed its end. (1 Kings 17:1)  Several years had passed before Elijah showed himself to Ahab and told him to gather the people and the Baal prophets to Mount Carmel.

What, though, does this struggle mean for us today?  Some might assume that a story about Baal worship is irrelevant now, since we do not see temples and altars to Baal around us. But his account is not mere ancient history.  (Romans 15:4)  The word "Baal" means "owner" or "master." Jehovah told his people that they should choose him as their "baal," or husbandly owner.  (Isaiah 54:5) Would you not agree that people serve a variety of masters other than God Almighty? Whether people use their life n the service of money, career, recreation, sexual pleasure, or any  of the countless gods that are worshipped instead of Jehovah, they choose a master.  (Matthew 6:24; read Romans 6:16) In a sense,  the most potent elements that characterize Baal worship are thriving oday. Reflecting on that ancient contest between  Jehovah and Baal can help us make a wise choice about whom we will serve. 

Next time:Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship - "Limping" - How?

From the jw.org publications 

Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship

 

Elijah looked out over the crowd as they trudged up the slopes of Mount Carmel.  Even in the dim light of early morning, the poverty and want afflicting these people were plain to see. The drought, three an a half years long, had left its mark on them.

Among them strutted the 450 prophets of Baal, full of pride and burning hatred for Elijah, Jehovah's prophet.   Queen Jezebel had executeed many servants of Jehovah, but this man still stood firm against Baal worship. Ah, but for how long?  Perhaps those priests reasoned that a lone man could never prevail against all of them.  (1 Kings 18:4, 19, 20) King Ahab had also come riding his royal chariot. He too bore no love for Elijahj.

Ahead of that solitary  prophet lay a day like no other in his life. As Elijah watched, the stage was being set for one of the most dramatic  confrontations between good and evil that the world has ever seen. How did he feel as that day dawned?  He was not impervious to fear, being "a man with feelings like ours." (Read James 5:17) We can be sure, at least, of this much: Surrounded by the faithless people, their apostate king, and those murderous priests, Elijah keenly felt that he was all alone. -  1 KINGS 18:22. 

What, though, had brought Israel to this crisis?  And what does this account have to do with you?  Consider Elijah's examnple of faith and how practical it can be for us today. 

Next time: Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship - A Long Struggle Reaches a  Climax

From the jw.org publications

Bible Questions Answered

 Note: I am sorry that is so short, but I have nuropathy and my back and leg are killing me today and I can't do even a medium one. Luckily, this is very short. 

Why will judgment dy last a thousand years?

The dead will be raised during  the thousand years.  (Revelation 20:4, 12) They will need time to learn God's ways and obey him.  Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible shows that people will be judged on the basis of what they do after the resurrection.  - Read ROMANS 6:7.

The Bible also describes a day of judgment that will occur suddenly before the thousand years begain. That day is also called the end, as discussed in the cover articles of this issue.  In that day, God will remove all ungodly, wicked people.. (2 Peter 3:7) Therefore, we should take care to prove our love for God. - Read 2  PETER 3:9, 16. 

Next time: Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship

From the jw.org publishers

Bible Questions Answered

 

What is judgment day?

In Bible times, God used judges to save his people from injustice.  (Judges 2:18) The Bible describes the future Judgment Dat as happy time when Jehovah, the Judge of all the earth, will save mankind from injustice. - Read PSALM 96:12, 13; ISAIAH26:9.

God had appointed Jesus to grant justice to both the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42; 17:31) Many people hacve died without knowing God. During Judgment Day, Jesus will bring such people back to life so that they might know and love the true God. - Read ACTS 24:15.

Next time: Bible Questions Answered - Why will judgment day last a thousand years?

From the  jw.org publications

Is the End Near?

 

Many Will Survive the End - You Can Too

The Bible informs us that the end will involve destruction: "There will ber great tribulation such as not occurrd since the world's  beginning until now . . . In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh could be saved." (Matthew 24:21, 22)  But God promises  us that many humans will survive:  "The world is passing away . . . , but the one who does the will of God remains forever." - 1 JOHN 2:17.

If  you want to survive the passing of this world and 'remain forever,' what should you do?  Should you start stockpiling supplies or making other physical preparations?  No.  The Bible strongly urges us to set different priorities. We read: "Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." (2 Peter 3:10-12)  The   context shows that "all these thinbs" that are to be dissolved include  the ruling elements of this corrupt world and all those ewho choose such rulership rather than God's.  Clearly, if we were to stockpile material goods, that would not save us from such a destruction.

Really, our survival involves being devoted to Jehovah God and learning about the kindo conduct and dees  that please him. (Zephaniah 2:3)  Rather than following the majority today and ignoring the clear signals that we are living   such important times, we need to "keep close in mind the presences of the day of Jehovah."  Jehovah's Witnesses can show you from the Bible how you can be a survivor of this upcoming day. 

Next time: Bible Questions Answered - What Is Judgment Day?

From the jw.org publications 

Is the End Near?

 

A PIVOTAL POINT IN WORLD HISTORY

Have you noticed that all four of the Bible's warning signals described in this article have been evident during your lifetime?  For over one hundred years, this magazine has been providing its readers with information about world events to help them personally verify that we are nearing the end. Of course, some skeptics disagree, asserting that facts and statistics are subjective and can be manipulated.  They also claim that since worldwide communication continues to increase, world conditions only appear to be worsening.  Nonethelless, there is ever-increasing evidence that we  are at the conculsion of a unique period in the history of humanity.

Some experts feel that we are approaching major changes to the earth.  For example, in 2014, The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scienties warned the United Nations Security Council about major threats to the existence of mankind.  Those scientists testified: "A careful review of these threats leads us to conclude tha the risk of civilization-threatening technological catastrophe remains high."  Many people are increasingly convinced that we have reached a pivotal point in world history.  The publishers of this magazine and many of its readers  have no doubt that this unique period really is the last days and that the end is near. But rather than dreading the future, you can be happy about the outcome .  Why is that so? Because you can survive the end!

DOOMSDAY PROPHETS?

Jehovah's Witnesses are not doomsday prophets.  They have been sharing a positive message about the future over one hundred years.  For example, their 1958 convention talk, "God's Kingdom Ru;les-Is the World's End Near?" explained that "God's Kingdom  comes, not to destroy this earth but to destroy Satan's world.  God's Kingdom comes, not to burn up  the earth, but to bring to pass God's will here on earth as well as in heaven. For that reason the earth is worth preserving as God's creation; and God will preserve it for all eternituy." 

Next time:  IS THE END NEAR? - Many Will Survive the End-You Can Too

From the jw.org publications

Is the End Near?

 

3. THE EARTH IS BEING RUINED The  Bible states that God will "bring to ruin those ruining the earth." (Revelation 11:18) In what ways would people be ruining the earth?  The  time period when Noah lived was described in a similar way: "The earth had become ruined in the sight of the true God, and the earth was filled with violence.  Yes, God looked down upon the earth, and it was ruined."So God said of that corrupt society: "I am bringing them to ruin." (Genesis 6:11-13) Have you noticed the mounting evidence that the earth is becoming filled with violence? Additionally, humans have arrived at a unique poing in history:  They have the potential to literally ruin the earth by wiping out all human life on it.  They have the weaponry in their hands.  And the earth is being ruined in another way.  The systems that support life on earth-the air we breath, the animal and plant ecosystems, the oceans-are steadily being degraded because of human mismanagement. 

Ask yourself, 'Just over a century ago, did mankind even have the power of complete self-destruction? But now humans are exerting that power by amassing advanced weaponry and by devastating the environment.  The rapid developments in technology  seem to be outpacing man's ability to understand or control the consequences.  However, earth's destiny is not for man to decide or control.  Before all life on this earth is eradicated, God will step in to destroy those destroying the earth.  What is his promise!

4. A GLOBAL PREACHING WORK Another part of the sign of the end foretold that an unprecedented work would be under way:"This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for  a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)  This preaching campaign would differ significantly from most  religious proselytizing carried out over the centuries.  During the last days, a specific message would be emphasized, "this good news of the Kingdom." Do you know of any religious group that highlights that particular message?? and even if some seem to be preaching such a message, are they a local group, or have they spread this good news to "all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the  nations?

The web site www.jw.org focuses on "this good news of the Kingdom." The site features literature explaining that message in over 700 languages.  Do you know of any other initiative that emphasizes the Kingdom news to such a global extent? Long before the Internet was available, Jehovah's Witnesses had gained a reputation for their efforts to spread the good news about God's Kingdom.  Since 1939, the cover of each issue  of The Watchtower magazine has displayed the words "Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom." A book on religions commented that the preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses had been "almost paralleled in itss intensity and scope."  This witnessing emphasizes the good news that very soon "the end will come" through the action of God's Kingdom. 

Next time: Is the End Near? - A PIVOTAL POINT IN WORLD HISTORY

From the jw.org publications 

Is the End Near?

 

1.WORLDWIDE UPHEAVALS  A prophecy recorded in Matthew chapter 24 lists events on the earth that would make up a composite sign. That sign would mark "the conclusion of the system of  things" and lead to the time when  "the end will come."  (Verses 3, 14)  These features include major wars, food shortages, earthquakes in one place after another, and increase of lawlessness,  a lack of love, and sly efforts by religious leaders to misleald people.  (Verses 6-26)  Of course, to some extent, such events have been taiking place for centuries.  However, as the end approaches, they would all occur in the same troubled era.  They would also accompany the next three warning signals.

2. THE ATTITUDES OF THE PEOPLE  The Bible sayts that "the last days" - the period leading to the end-would be marked by a major deterioration of people's attitudes.  We read: "Men would be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, disloyal, having no natural affection , not open to any aggreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God." (2 Timothy 3:1-4)  True disrespect for fellow humans is not new, but only  in "the last days" would that spirit reach such expremes that the era could rightly be described as "critical times hard to deal with." Have you noticed this downward trend in people's attitudes?

Next time: Is the End Near? 3. THE EARTH IS BEING RUINED

From the jw.org publications

Is the End Near?

 Will God humans continue to dominate one another and threaten the future of mankind?  No, as we have seen, he will stepin and bring an end to centuries of misery and oppression.  The Creator of humans and the earth wants you to know that his time to take action is approaching.  How does he reveal that vital knowledge?

Consider this illustration: When you travel  by car, you might first consult online sources, maps, and written directions.  Then, as you see signs and landmarks that match what the directions say,  you gain confidence that you are nearing your destination.  In a similar way, God has given us his Word, which describes striking global trends. As we see those landmark events unfolding, we become convinced that we are in the time period leading up to the end. 

The Bible explains that world history would reach a unique, pivotal time period that would culminate in the end. That time would see a combination of worldwide events and circumstances that differs from anything in mankind's history.  Consider some of the features mentioned in God's Word. 

Next time: Is the End Near? - 1. WORLDWIDE UPHEAVALS

From the jw.org publications

"The End" - What Does It Mean?

WHAT THE END IS 

3. THE END OF RELIGIONS THAT HAVE FAILED GOD AND HUMANS.

"The prophets prophesy lies, and the priests dominate by their own authority. . . But what will you do when the end comes?" (Jeremiah 5:31) "Many will say to me in that day: "Lord, lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?" And then I will declare to them: 'I  never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!" -  MATTHEW 7:21-23. 

4. THE END OF PEOPLE WHO PERPETUATE AND SUPPORT THE CORRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS

Jesus Christ said: "Now this is the basis for judgment: That the light has come into the worldl, but men have loved the darknwsws rather than the light,  for their works were wicked." (John 3:19) The Bible describes  an earlier worldwide destruction during the time of the faithful man Noah.  "The world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water.  But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for the fire and are being kept umtil the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people." - 2 PETER 3:5-7.

Note that the upcoming "day of judgment and of destruction" is compared to the destruction of "the world" of Noah's time.  What world was destroyed?  Our planet survived; it was "the ungodly people" - God's enemies-who "suffered destruction." During God's upcoming day of judgment," those who choose to be God's enemies will likewise be destroyed.  But God's friends will be preserved, as were Noah and his family. - MATTHEW 24:37.

AFTER THE END 

What will it be like after the end?  Many Scriptures describe that wonderful time.  For example. "[God] will wipe out every  tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry or pain be anymore.  The firmer things have passed away.' And the One seated on the throne said: 'Look! I am making all things new again." (Revelation 21:4, 5) The end does not have to mean the end of your life.  God wants us to survive, and he tells us how. 

Next time: Is the End Near?

From the jw.org publications