What Does Ransom Teach Us?

 "By this the love of God was revealed." - 1 JOHN 4:9.

SURELY you agree that the ransom is a priceless gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) Because Jesus sacrificed his human life, you can have a close friendship with Jehovah God. You can also have the prospect of everlasting life. How fitting it is that we show gratitude for the ransom and for Jehovah, who was moved by love to provide it! (Romans 5:8) To help us remain grateful and never take the ransom for granted, Jesus instituted the annual Memorial of his death. - LUKE 22:19, 20.

This year, the Memorial will be observed on Saturday, April 12, 2025.  No doubt all of us are planning to attend. We will benefit greatly if we take time during the Memorial season to meditate on what Jehovah and his Son have done for us. In this article, we will discuss what the ransom teaches us about Jehovah and his Son. In the following article we will helped to understand how we can benefit from that ransom and how we can show our gratitude for it.

Next time: WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAH

From the jw.org publications

Context of Joshua 1:9

 After Moses' death, Jehovah directed that Joshua lead the nation of Israel. (Joshua 1:1, 2) At that time, the Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land, the Land of Canaan. But powerful enemies stood before them. For example, Joshua had to wage war against the Canaanites who were exceedingly wicked. (Deuteronomy 9:5; 20:17, 18) The Canaanites were also more numerous and better equipped militarily than the Israelites. (Joshua 9:1, 2; 17:18) But Joshua courageously followed Jehovah's instructions. And God did prove to be with him, for the Israelites conquered the majority of their enemies in just six years. - JOSHUA 21:43, 44.

Next time: What Does the Ransom Teach Us?

From the jw.org publications

 

BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINE/Meaning of Joshua 1:9

 How could Joshua "be courageous and strong"? He could draw courage and strength from the inspired writings that Jehovah had provided at that time. This included "the entire Law that Moses [Jehovah's] servant commanded [Joshua]."  (Joshua 1:7) Jehovah told Joshua to read it in an undertone ["meditate on it," New International Version] day and night." (Joshua 1:8) Such reading and meditation fortified Joshua's mind and heart to do God's will. Joshua then needed to act on what he learned in God's Word, to "observe carefully all that [was] written in it." If he did so, then he would act wisely and be successful. And that is exactly what happened. Although he faced challenges, Joshua lived a full and satisfying life as a faithful worshipper of Jehovah. - JOSHUA 23:14; 24:15. 

Jehovah's words to Joshua continue to be encouraging today. They reveal how much Jehovah cares for all his worshippers, especially when they face challenges. He wants them to be successful just as Joshua was! And like Joshua, they can "be courageous and strong" by regularly reading and meditating God's Word, the Bible, and then acting in harmony with is direction.

Next time: Contexts of Joshua 1:9

From the jw.org publications

BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED/Joshua 1:9 -"Be Strong and Courageous

 "Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and strong. Do not be struck with terror or fear, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go." - JOSHUA 1:9, New World Translation.

With these words, Jehovah God assured his worshipper Joshua that he could "be courageous and strong" despite facing challenging circumstances and seemingly overwhelming obstacles. Joshua had no reason to be afraid of the future if he obeyed God's commands, because it would be as if Jehovah were right there with him and by giving him victory over his enemies.

Next time: BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED/Joshua 1:9 -"Be Strong and Courageous - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

Are Demons Real/The Bible's answer

 Yes. Demons are "angels that sinned," spirit creatures who rebelled against God. (2 Peter 2:4) The first angel to make himself into a demon was Satan the Devil, whom the Bible calls "the ruler of the demons. " -MATTHEW 12:24, 26.

Rebellion in Noah's day

The Bible records a rebellion by angels before the Flood of Noah's day: "The sons of the true God began to notice the daughters of men, that they were good-looking; and they went taking wives for themselves, namely, all whom they chose." (Genesis 6:2) Those wicked, or fallen angels "forsook their proper dwelling place" in heaven and materialized human bodies in order to have sex with women. -JUDE6.

When the Flood came the rebellious angels abandoned their human bodies and returned to heaven. However, God expelled them from his family. As part of their punishment, the demons are prevented from ever taking on human form. - EPHESIANS 6:11, 12.

Next time: BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED/Joshua 1:9 -"Be Strong and Courageous"

From the jw.org publications

Is the Bible a Book of Human WIsdom?/The Bible's answer - Conclusion

 . The Bible has one central theme: the vindication of God's right to rule mankind and the fulfillment of his purpose by means of his heavenly Kingdom.

. Although written thousands of years ago, the Bible is free of mistaken scientific ideas that had gained wide acceptance in ancient times.

. Documental historical evidence proves that Bible prophecies, or predictions, have come true.

Next time: Are Demons Real?/The Bible's answer

From the jw.org publications

Is the Bible a Book of Human Wisdom?/The Bible's answer

 The Bible also known as the Holy Scriptures, does contain many wise sayings. However, note the claim that the Bible makes for itself: "All Scripture is inspired of God." (2 Timothy 3:16) There is much evidence to back up that claim. Consider the following: 

. No one has ever successfully challenged the historical accuracy of the Bible.

. The Bible writers were honest men who wrote the openness of heart. Their candor gives their writing the clear ring of truth. 

Next time: Is the Bible a Book of Human Wisdom?/The Bible's answer - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

MAKE A DECISION THAT WILL SUCCEED

 If you have followed the steps outlined above, you are ready to make a wise decision. You have obtained the facts and examined the principles that will help you to make a decision that is pleasing to Jehovah/ Now you ask Jehovah to help to make your decision to succeed.

Even if you have made many successful decisions in the past, remember that the key to making good decisions is to rely, not on your own intelligence or experience, but on the wisdom from Jehovah. He alone can give you true knowledge, understanding, and discernment-the building blocks of wisdom. (Proverbs 2:1-5) Jehovah can help you to make decisions that please him. -PSALM 23:2, 3.

Next time: Is the Bible a book of Human Wisdom?/The Bible's answer

From the jw.org publications

WEIGH THE OPTIONS - Conclusion

 Discernment also moves us to consider how our decision might affect other people so that we can avoid "stumbling others." (Philippians 1:10) This is important when we make personal decisions in such areas as dress and grooming. For example, we may prefer a particular style of clothing or grooming. What if others inside or outside the congregation would be offended by it? Discernment will help us to respect their feelings. Love will motivate us to see the advantage of "the other person" and to be modest. (1 Corinthians 10:23, 24, 32; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10) We will then make a decision that reflects our love and respect for others.

If you are making a major decision, think about what it would take to implement it. Jesus taught us to "calculate the expense." (Luke 14:28) So consider the amount of time, resources, and effort that you would need to invest to make the decision work. In some cases, you might consult your family to determine what each member would need to support the decision. Why is this kind planning valuable? It may reveal that your decision needs some adjustments or that a different option is more practical. And when you involve your family member and listen to their input, they will more readily work with you to make a decision succeed.  - PROVERBS 25:22.

Next time: MAKE A DECISION THAT WILL SUCCEED

From the jw.org publications 

WEIGH THE OPTIONS

Once you have considered the Bible principles involved in your decision, you need to evaluate your options. (Read Philippians 1:9, 10; see study note on "full discernment.") The quality of discernment will enable you to perceive the potential of each option. Sometimes the decision can be easily made. But not all decisions are that straightforward. Discernment will help to you to make wise decisions even in complex situations. 

Consider this scenario. You are looking for a job to support your family. Two jobs are available.  You review all the facts, taking note of the type of work, the schedule, the travel time, and so on. In both cases, the work itself is Scripturally acceptable. Perhaps you favor one option because you prefer the type of work or because the salary is higher. There are other factors, though, to consider before making a decision.

For example, would job conflict with you congregation meeting schedule? Would either job cut into the time you need to care for your family's emotional and spiritual needs? Asking such questions will help you to put "the more important things"-your worship and your family's needs -ahead of material advantages. Then you can reach a decision that Jehovah will bless.

Next time: WEIGH THE OPTIONS -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications