Are you less than thrilled about reading the bible? If so, you might agree with 18 year old Will, who says "The Bible can seem boring," however, he adds "that's only if you don't know how to read it"
Why learn how to read the Bible? Well, would you like to know more about how to Make good decisions, have real friends, and cope with stress? The Bible contains gems of wisdom on those subjects and more. But expending that effort is a lot like going on a treasure hunt; the more challenging the search the more exciting the discovery - Proverbs 2:1-6
How can you find treasures in the Bible? Let's see!
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE:
Before you read:
Make sure your surroundings are quiet so that you can concentrate
Pray for understanding
While you read:
Use Maps and depictions of Bible accounts to help you visualize Bible Scenes.
Consider the setting, and analyze details.
Consult footnotes and cross-references.
Ask yourself such questions as:
Facts: When did this occur, who spoke these words, to whom were the words addressed?
Meaning; How would I explain this to someone else?
Value: Why did Jehovah God include this account in His word? What does it reveal about His personality or way of doing things? What lessons can I apply to my life?
After you read: Do further research, use tools produced by Jehovah's Witnesses, such as the Insight on the Scriptures and "All scripture Inspired of God and Beneficial" books.
Pray again, Tell Jehovah God what you have learned and how you plan to use it. Thank Him for His word, the Bible.
There are maps and many research items available by Jehovah's Witnesses. Look us up in your phone book or go online and request more information. You may even request help with the Bible by asking for a bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses. It doesn't cost anything because we believe in the message Jesus stated in Revelation "Come take Life's Water Free!" Their is never any money plates or anything passed around at our meetings either. You are never obligated to donate any money to us. Jehovah God supplies for His flock with people's kind, unsolicited, donations.
Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts
Friday, March 20, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Why We need to Work
Chapter 42
Why We Need to Work
WHAT do you like best, to work or to play?— Really, there is nothing wrong with playing. The Bible speaks of Jerusalem being “filled with boys and girls playing in her public squares.”—Zechariah 8:5.
The Great Teacher enjoyed watching children at play. Before he came to earth, he said: “I came to be beside [God] as a master worker . . . being glad before him all the time.” Notice that Jesus was a worker with Jehovah in heaven. And when he was there, he said: “The things I was fond of were with the sons of men.” Yes, as we have learned before, the Great Teacher had a real interest in everyone, including young ones.—Proverbs 8:30, 31.
Do you think Jesus played when he was a child?— He probably did. But since he had been “a master worker” in heaven, did he also work on earth?— Well, Jesus was called “the carpenter’s son.” But he was also called “the carpenter.” What does this show?— Joseph, who raised Jesus as his son, must have taught him. So Jesus also became a carpenter.—Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3.
What kind of carpenter was Jesus?— Since he was a master worker in heaven, don’t you think he became a master carpenter on earth?— Consider what hard work it was to be a carpenter at that time. Jesus probably had to go out and cut down a tree, cut the tree into pieces, carry the wood home, and then shape the wood to make it into tables, benches, and other things.
Do you think this work brought Jesus pleasure?— Would you be happy if you could make fine tables and chairs and other things for people to use?— The Bible says it is good for one to “rejoice in his works.” Work gives a kind of pleasure that you cannot get from play.—Ecclesiastes 3:22.
Really, work is good for both our minds and our bodies. Many children just sit and watch TV or play video games. They become overweight and weak, and they’re really not happy. And they don’t make others happy either. What do we need to do to be happy?—
We learned in Chapter 17 of this book that giving and doing things to help others bring happiness. (Acts 20:35) The Bible calls Jehovah “the happy God.” (1 Timothy 1:11) And, as we read in Proverbs, Jesus was “glad before him all the time.” Why was Jesus happy?— Well, he gave one of the reasons when he said: “My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.”—John 5:17.
When Jesus was on earth, he did not work as a carpenter all his life. Jehovah God had special work for him to do on earth. Do you know what it was?— Jesus said: “I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43) Sometimes when Jesus preached to people, they believed him and told others the things he had said, as the Samaritan woman you see here did.—John 4:7-15, 27-30.
How did Jesus feel about doing this work? Do you think that he wanted to do it?— Jesus said: “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34) How much do you like to eat your favorite food?— This gives you an idea of how much Jesus liked the work that God gave him to do.
God made us so that learning to work helps to make us happy. He says that His gift to man is that he should “rejoice in his hard work.” So if you learn to work when you are young, your whole life will be more enjoyable.—Ecclesiastes 5:19.
That does not mean that a young child can do the work of an older person, but we can all do some work. Your parents may go out to work day after day to earn money so that your family has food to eat and a home to live in. And as you should know, there is much work that needs to be done around the home to keep it neat and clean.
What work is there that you can do that will be a blessing to the whole family?— You can help set the table, wash the dishes, take out the garbage, clean your room, and pick up your toys. Perhaps you already do some of those things. That work really is a blessing to the family.
Let’s see how work like that is a blessing. Toys are to be put away after you play. Why would you say that this is important?— It helps to keep the house neat, and it can also prevent accidents. If you don’t pick up your toys, your mother may come along someday with her arms full and step on one of them. She may trip and fall and hurt herself. She may even have to go to the hospital. Wouldn’t that be terrible?— So when you put away your toys after you play, that is a blessing to all.
There is other work that children have too. For example, schoolwork. At school you learn how to read. Some children find reading to be fun, but others say it is hard. Even if it seems hard at first, you will be glad if you learn to read well. When you know how to read, there are many interesting things that you can learn. You will even be able to read for yourself God’s own book, the Bible. So when you do your schoolwork well, it is really a blessing, isn’t it?—
There are some people who try to avoid work. Maybe you know someone who does that. But since God made us to work, we need to learn how to enjoy it. How much did the Great Teacher enjoy his work?— It was like eating his favorite food. And what work was he talking about?— Telling others about Jehovah God and how they can receive everlasting life.
So here is something that can help us enjoy work. Ask yourself, ‘Why does this work need to be done?’ When you know why something is important, it is easier to do. And whether the work is big or little, do a good job. If you do, you can rejoice in the work of your hands, just as our Great Teacher did.
The Bible can help a person to become a good worker. Read what it says at Proverbs 10:4; 22:29; Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13; and Colossians 3:23.
[Picture on page 217]
What did the Great Teacher enjoy before he came to earth?
[Pictures on page 218]
What two kinds of work did Jesus do when he was on earth?
[Picture on page 221]
Why is it important to put your toys away after you play with them?
Why We Need to Work
WHAT do you like best, to work or to play?— Really, there is nothing wrong with playing. The Bible speaks of Jerusalem being “filled with boys and girls playing in her public squares.”—Zechariah 8:5.
The Great Teacher enjoyed watching children at play. Before he came to earth, he said: “I came to be beside [God] as a master worker . . . being glad before him all the time.” Notice that Jesus was a worker with Jehovah in heaven. And when he was there, he said: “The things I was fond of were with the sons of men.” Yes, as we have learned before, the Great Teacher had a real interest in everyone, including young ones.—Proverbs 8:30, 31.
Do you think Jesus played when he was a child?— He probably did. But since he had been “a master worker” in heaven, did he also work on earth?— Well, Jesus was called “the carpenter’s son.” But he was also called “the carpenter.” What does this show?— Joseph, who raised Jesus as his son, must have taught him. So Jesus also became a carpenter.—Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3.
What kind of carpenter was Jesus?— Since he was a master worker in heaven, don’t you think he became a master carpenter on earth?— Consider what hard work it was to be a carpenter at that time. Jesus probably had to go out and cut down a tree, cut the tree into pieces, carry the wood home, and then shape the wood to make it into tables, benches, and other things.
Do you think this work brought Jesus pleasure?— Would you be happy if you could make fine tables and chairs and other things for people to use?— The Bible says it is good for one to “rejoice in his works.” Work gives a kind of pleasure that you cannot get from play.—Ecclesiastes 3:22.
Really, work is good for both our minds and our bodies. Many children just sit and watch TV or play video games. They become overweight and weak, and they’re really not happy. And they don’t make others happy either. What do we need to do to be happy?—
We learned in Chapter 17 of this book that giving and doing things to help others bring happiness. (Acts 20:35) The Bible calls Jehovah “the happy God.” (1 Timothy 1:11) And, as we read in Proverbs, Jesus was “glad before him all the time.” Why was Jesus happy?— Well, he gave one of the reasons when he said: “My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.”—John 5:17.
When Jesus was on earth, he did not work as a carpenter all his life. Jehovah God had special work for him to do on earth. Do you know what it was?— Jesus said: “I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43) Sometimes when Jesus preached to people, they believed him and told others the things he had said, as the Samaritan woman you see here did.—John 4:7-15, 27-30.
How did Jesus feel about doing this work? Do you think that he wanted to do it?— Jesus said: “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34) How much do you like to eat your favorite food?— This gives you an idea of how much Jesus liked the work that God gave him to do.
God made us so that learning to work helps to make us happy. He says that His gift to man is that he should “rejoice in his hard work.” So if you learn to work when you are young, your whole life will be more enjoyable.—Ecclesiastes 5:19.
That does not mean that a young child can do the work of an older person, but we can all do some work. Your parents may go out to work day after day to earn money so that your family has food to eat and a home to live in. And as you should know, there is much work that needs to be done around the home to keep it neat and clean.
What work is there that you can do that will be a blessing to the whole family?— You can help set the table, wash the dishes, take out the garbage, clean your room, and pick up your toys. Perhaps you already do some of those things. That work really is a blessing to the family.
Let’s see how work like that is a blessing. Toys are to be put away after you play. Why would you say that this is important?— It helps to keep the house neat, and it can also prevent accidents. If you don’t pick up your toys, your mother may come along someday with her arms full and step on one of them. She may trip and fall and hurt herself. She may even have to go to the hospital. Wouldn’t that be terrible?— So when you put away your toys after you play, that is a blessing to all.
There is other work that children have too. For example, schoolwork. At school you learn how to read. Some children find reading to be fun, but others say it is hard. Even if it seems hard at first, you will be glad if you learn to read well. When you know how to read, there are many interesting things that you can learn. You will even be able to read for yourself God’s own book, the Bible. So when you do your schoolwork well, it is really a blessing, isn’t it?—
There are some people who try to avoid work. Maybe you know someone who does that. But since God made us to work, we need to learn how to enjoy it. How much did the Great Teacher enjoy his work?— It was like eating his favorite food. And what work was he talking about?— Telling others about Jehovah God and how they can receive everlasting life.
So here is something that can help us enjoy work. Ask yourself, ‘Why does this work need to be done?’ When you know why something is important, it is easier to do. And whether the work is big or little, do a good job. If you do, you can rejoice in the work of your hands, just as our Great Teacher did.
The Bible can help a person to become a good worker. Read what it says at Proverbs 10:4; 22:29; Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13; and Colossians 3:23.
[Picture on page 217]
What did the Great Teacher enjoy before he came to earth?
[Pictures on page 218]
What two kinds of work did Jesus do when he was on earth?
[Picture on page 221]
Why is it important to put your toys away after you play with them?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
What will happen if we die?
Chapter 34
What Will Happen if We Die?
AS YOU may well know, people today grow old, get sick, and die. Even some children die. Should you be afraid of death or of anybody who has died?— Do you know what happens if we die?—
Well, nobody living today has been dead and come back to life to tell us about it. But when Jesus, the Great Teacher, was on earth, there was such a man. We can learn about what happens to those who die by reading about him. The man was a friend of Jesus and lived in Bethany, a small town not far from Jerusalem. His name was Lazarus, and he had two sisters, named Martha and Mary. Let’s see what the Bible says happened.
One day Lazarus gets very sick. At the time, Jesus is far away. So Martha and Mary send a messenger to tell Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, is sick. They do this because they know that Jesus can come and make their brother well. Jesus is not a doctor, but he has power from God so that he can cure every kind of sickness.—Matthew 15:30, 31.
Before Jesus goes to see Lazarus, however, Lazarus gets so sick that he dies. But Jesus tells his disciples that Lazarus is sleeping and that He will go to wake him up. The disciples do not understand what Jesus means. So Jesus says plainly: "Lazarus has died." What does this show about death?— Yes, that it is like a deep sleep. It is a sleep so deep that the person does not even dream.
Jesus is now coming to visit Martha and Mary. Many friends of the family have already arrived. They have come to comfort the sisters because their brother has died. When Martha hears that Jesus is coming, she goes to meet him. Soon Mary also goes out to see Jesus. She is very sad and is crying, and she falls at his feet. Other friends who have followed Mary are also crying.
The Great Teacher asks where they have put Lazarus. At that, the people lead Jesus to the cave where Lazarus has been buried. When Jesus sees all the people crying, he starts to cry too. He knows how painful it is to lose a loved one in death.
A stone is in front of the cave, so Jesus says: "Take the stone away." Should they do it?— Martha does not think it is a good idea. She says: "Lord, by now he must smell, for it is four days."
But Jesus says to her: "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" Jesus means that Martha would see something that would bring honor to God. What is Jesus going to do? When the stone is removed, Jesus prays out loud to Jehovah. Then Jesus says in a loud voice: "Lazarus, come on out!" Would he come out? Could he?—
Well, can you wake up somebody who is sleeping?— Yes, if you call in a loud voice, he will wake up. But can you wake up someone who is sleeping in death?— No. No matter how loud you call, the one who is dead will not hear. There is nothing that you or I or any other person on earth today can do to wake the dead.
But Jesus is different. He has special power from God. So when Jesus calls Lazarus, an amazing thing happens. The man who has been dead for four days comes out of the cave! He is brought back to life! He can breathe and walk and speak again! Yes, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.—John 11:1-44.
Now think about it: What happened to Lazarus when he died? Did some part of him—a soul or a spirit—leave his body and go to live somewhere else? Did Lazarus’ soul go to heaven? Was he alive for four days up there with God and the holy angels?—
No, he wasn’t. Remember, Jesus said Lazarus was sleeping. What is it like when you are asleep? When you are in a very deep sleep, you do not know what is going on around you, do you?— And when you wake up, you do not know how long you have been sleeping until you look at a clock.
It is like that with dead people. They do not know anything. They do not feel anything. And they cannot do anything. That is the way it was with Lazarus when he was dead. Death is like a deep sleep where a person doesn’t remember anything. The Bible says: "As for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all."—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
Think about this too: If Lazarus had been in heaven for those four days, would he not have said something about it?— And if he had been in heaven, would Jesus have made him come back to earth from that wonderful place?— Of course not!
Yet, many people say that we have a soul, and they say that the soul lives on after the body dies. They say that Lazarus’ soul was alive somewhere. But the Bible does not say that. It says that God made the first man Adam "a living soul." Adam was a soul. The Bible also says that when Adam sinned, he died. He became a "dead soul," and he returned to the dust from which he had been made. The Bible also says that all Adam’s offspring inherited sin and death too.—Genesis 2:7; 3:17-19; Numbers 6:6; Romans 5:12.
Clearly, then, we do not have a soul that is separate from our body. Each one of us is a soul. And since people have inherited sin from the first man, Adam, the Bible says: ‘The soul that sins will die.’—Ezekiel 18:4.
Some people are afraid of the dead. They won’t go near a graveyard because they think that the dead have souls separate from their body that could harm the living. But can a dead person harm someone who is alive?— No, he can’t.
Some people even believe that the dead can come back as spirits to visit the living. So they set out food for the dead. But people who do that do not really believe what God says about the dead. If we believe what God says, we won’t be afraid of the dead. And if we are really thankful to God for life, we will show it by doing things that God approves.
But you may wonder: ‘Will God bring children who have died back to life? Does he really want to?’ Let’s talk about that next.
Let’s read further in the Bible about the condition of the dead and about man being a soul, at Psalm 115:17 (113:17, "Dy"); 146:3, 4 (145:3, 4, "Dy"); and Jeremiah 2:34.
[Picture on page 179]
What has Jesus done for Lazarus?
[Picture on page 180]
What was the condition of Lazarus when he was dead?
[Picture on page 181]
Why is there no reason to be afraid of the dead?
What Will Happen if We Die?
AS YOU may well know, people today grow old, get sick, and die. Even some children die. Should you be afraid of death or of anybody who has died?— Do you know what happens if we die?—
Well, nobody living today has been dead and come back to life to tell us about it. But when Jesus, the Great Teacher, was on earth, there was such a man. We can learn about what happens to those who die by reading about him. The man was a friend of Jesus and lived in Bethany, a small town not far from Jerusalem. His name was Lazarus, and he had two sisters, named Martha and Mary. Let’s see what the Bible says happened.
One day Lazarus gets very sick. At the time, Jesus is far away. So Martha and Mary send a messenger to tell Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, is sick. They do this because they know that Jesus can come and make their brother well. Jesus is not a doctor, but he has power from God so that he can cure every kind of sickness.—Matthew 15:30, 31.
Before Jesus goes to see Lazarus, however, Lazarus gets so sick that he dies. But Jesus tells his disciples that Lazarus is sleeping and that He will go to wake him up. The disciples do not understand what Jesus means. So Jesus says plainly: "Lazarus has died." What does this show about death?— Yes, that it is like a deep sleep. It is a sleep so deep that the person does not even dream.
Jesus is now coming to visit Martha and Mary. Many friends of the family have already arrived. They have come to comfort the sisters because their brother has died. When Martha hears that Jesus is coming, she goes to meet him. Soon Mary also goes out to see Jesus. She is very sad and is crying, and she falls at his feet. Other friends who have followed Mary are also crying.
The Great Teacher asks where they have put Lazarus. At that, the people lead Jesus to the cave where Lazarus has been buried. When Jesus sees all the people crying, he starts to cry too. He knows how painful it is to lose a loved one in death.
A stone is in front of the cave, so Jesus says: "Take the stone away." Should they do it?— Martha does not think it is a good idea. She says: "Lord, by now he must smell, for it is four days."
But Jesus says to her: "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" Jesus means that Martha would see something that would bring honor to God. What is Jesus going to do? When the stone is removed, Jesus prays out loud to Jehovah. Then Jesus says in a loud voice: "Lazarus, come on out!" Would he come out? Could he?—
Well, can you wake up somebody who is sleeping?— Yes, if you call in a loud voice, he will wake up. But can you wake up someone who is sleeping in death?— No. No matter how loud you call, the one who is dead will not hear. There is nothing that you or I or any other person on earth today can do to wake the dead.
But Jesus is different. He has special power from God. So when Jesus calls Lazarus, an amazing thing happens. The man who has been dead for four days comes out of the cave! He is brought back to life! He can breathe and walk and speak again! Yes, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.—John 11:1-44.
Now think about it: What happened to Lazarus when he died? Did some part of him—a soul or a spirit—leave his body and go to live somewhere else? Did Lazarus’ soul go to heaven? Was he alive for four days up there with God and the holy angels?—
No, he wasn’t. Remember, Jesus said Lazarus was sleeping. What is it like when you are asleep? When you are in a very deep sleep, you do not know what is going on around you, do you?— And when you wake up, you do not know how long you have been sleeping until you look at a clock.
It is like that with dead people. They do not know anything. They do not feel anything. And they cannot do anything. That is the way it was with Lazarus when he was dead. Death is like a deep sleep where a person doesn’t remember anything. The Bible says: "As for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all."—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
Think about this too: If Lazarus had been in heaven for those four days, would he not have said something about it?— And if he had been in heaven, would Jesus have made him come back to earth from that wonderful place?— Of course not!
Yet, many people say that we have a soul, and they say that the soul lives on after the body dies. They say that Lazarus’ soul was alive somewhere. But the Bible does not say that. It says that God made the first man Adam "a living soul." Adam was a soul. The Bible also says that when Adam sinned, he died. He became a "dead soul," and he returned to the dust from which he had been made. The Bible also says that all Adam’s offspring inherited sin and death too.—Genesis 2:7; 3:17-19; Numbers 6:6; Romans 5:12.
Clearly, then, we do not have a soul that is separate from our body. Each one of us is a soul. And since people have inherited sin from the first man, Adam, the Bible says: ‘The soul that sins will die.’—Ezekiel 18:4.
Some people are afraid of the dead. They won’t go near a graveyard because they think that the dead have souls separate from their body that could harm the living. But can a dead person harm someone who is alive?— No, he can’t.
Some people even believe that the dead can come back as spirits to visit the living. So they set out food for the dead. But people who do that do not really believe what God says about the dead. If we believe what God says, we won’t be afraid of the dead. And if we are really thankful to God for life, we will show it by doing things that God approves.
But you may wonder: ‘Will God bring children who have died back to life? Does he really want to?’ Let’s talk about that next.
Let’s read further in the Bible about the condition of the dead and about man being a soul, at Psalm 115:17 (113:17, "Dy"); 146:3, 4 (145:3, 4, "Dy"); and Jeremiah 2:34.
[Picture on page 179]
What has Jesus done for Lazarus?
[Picture on page 180]
What was the condition of Lazarus when he was dead?
[Picture on page 181]
Why is there no reason to be afraid of the dead?
Where to find comfort
Chapter 31
Where to Find Comfort
DO YOU ever feel sad and lonely?— Do you ever wonder if anybody loves you?— Some children do. But God promises: "I myself shall not forget you." (Isaiah 49:15) Isn’t that wonderful to think about?— Yes, Jehovah God really does love us!
One Bible writer said: "In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up." (Psalm 27:10) Knowing that can be a real comfort to us, can’t it?— Yes, Jehovah tells us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. . . . I will really help you."—Isaiah 41:10.
Sometimes, though, Jehovah lets Satan make trouble for us. Jehovah even lets Satan test His servants. The Devil once made Jesus suffer so much that Jesus cried out to Jehovah: ‘My God, my God, why have you left me?’ (Matthew 27:46) Even though Jesus was suffering, he still knew that Jehovah loved him. (John 10:17) But Jesus also knew that God lets Satan test His servants and allows Satan to cause them to suffer. In another chapter we will explain why God lets Satan do this.
When we are little, it is hard not to be afraid sometimes. For example, have you ever been lost?— Were you scared?— Many children would be. The Great Teacher once told a story about one that was lost. But it was not a child who was lost. It was a sheep.
In some ways you are like a sheep. How is that? Well, sheep are not very big or strong. And they need someone to take care of them and to protect them. The man who takes care of sheep is called a shepherd.
In his story Jesus told about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. But then one of the sheep got lost. It may have wanted to see what was on the other side of the hill. But before long, that sheep was far away from the others. Can you imagine how that sheep felt when it looked around and saw that it was all alone?—
What would the shepherd do when he found that the one sheep was missing? Would he say that this was all the sheep’s fault anyway so he wasn’t going to worry about it? Or would he leave the 99 sheep in a safe place and go looking for just the one? Would one sheep be worth that much trouble?— If you were that lost sheep, would you want the shepherd to look for you?—
The shepherd loved all his sheep very much, even the one that was lost. So he went in search of the missing one. Think of how glad that lost sheep was when it saw the shepherd coming! And Jesus said that the shepherd rejoiced that he had found his sheep. He rejoiced over it more than over the 99 sheep that had not got lost. Now, who is like that shepherd in Jesus’ story? Who cares for us as much as that shepherd did for his sheep?— Jesus said that his Father in heaven does. And his Father is Jehovah.
Jehovah God is the Great Shepherd of his people. He loves all of those who serve him, including young ones like you. He does not want any of us to be hurt or destroyed. Surely it is wonderful to know that God cares for us that much!—Matthew 18:12-14.
Do you really believe in Jehovah God?— Is he a real person to you?— It is true that we cannot see Jehovah. This is because he is a Spirit. He has a body that is invisible to our eyes. But he is a real person, and he can see us. He knows when we need help. And we can talk to him in prayer, just as we talk to another person on earth. Jehovah wants us to do this.
So if you ever feel sad or all alone, what should you do?— Talk to Jehovah. Draw close to him, and he will comfort and help you. Remember that Jehovah loves you, even when you feel as if you are all alone. Let’s get our Bible. Here in Psalm 23, we are told, beginning at verse 1: "Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by well-watered resting-places he conducts me."
Notice what the writer adds, in verse 4: "Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you are with me; your rod and your staff are the things that comfort me." That’s the way people feel if their God is Jehovah. They find comfort when they are in trouble. Is that the way you feel?—
As a loving shepherd takes care of his flock, so Jehovah takes good care of his people. He shows them the right way to go, and they gladly follow him. Even when there is trouble all around them, they do not need to be afraid. A shepherd uses his rod or his staff to protect the sheep from animals that might harm them. The Bible tells about how the young shepherd David protected his sheep from a lion and a bear. (1 Samuel 17:34-36) And God’s people know that Jehovah will protect them too. They can feel safe because God is with them.
Jehovah really loves his sheep, and he tenderly cares for them. The Bible says: ‘Like a shepherd he will lead his own sheep. With his arms he will collect the little ones together. The young ones he will help along with care.’—Isaiah 40:11.
Doesn’t it make you feel good to know that Jehovah is like that?— Do you want to be one of his sheep?— Sheep listen to the voice of their shepherd. They stay close to him. Do you listen to Jehovah?— Do you stay close to him?— Then you never need to be afraid. Jehovah will be with you.
Jehovah lovingly cares for those who serve him. Let’s read together what the Bible says about this, at Psalm 37:25 (36:25, "Dy"); 55:22 (54:23, "Dy"); and Luke 12:29-31.
[Picture on page 163]
How do you think this little lost sheep feels?
[Picture on page 164]
Who is like the shepherd that has rescued his sheep?
[Picture on page 165]
Is Jehovah as real to you as your father or some other person is?
[Picture on page 166]
Like a shepherd protecting his sheep, who can help us when we are in trouble?
Where to Find Comfort
DO YOU ever feel sad and lonely?— Do you ever wonder if anybody loves you?— Some children do. But God promises: "I myself shall not forget you." (Isaiah 49:15) Isn’t that wonderful to think about?— Yes, Jehovah God really does love us!
One Bible writer said: "In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up." (Psalm 27:10) Knowing that can be a real comfort to us, can’t it?— Yes, Jehovah tells us: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. . . . I will really help you."—Isaiah 41:10.
Sometimes, though, Jehovah lets Satan make trouble for us. Jehovah even lets Satan test His servants. The Devil once made Jesus suffer so much that Jesus cried out to Jehovah: ‘My God, my God, why have you left me?’ (Matthew 27:46) Even though Jesus was suffering, he still knew that Jehovah loved him. (John 10:17) But Jesus also knew that God lets Satan test His servants and allows Satan to cause them to suffer. In another chapter we will explain why God lets Satan do this.
When we are little, it is hard not to be afraid sometimes. For example, have you ever been lost?— Were you scared?— Many children would be. The Great Teacher once told a story about one that was lost. But it was not a child who was lost. It was a sheep.
In some ways you are like a sheep. How is that? Well, sheep are not very big or strong. And they need someone to take care of them and to protect them. The man who takes care of sheep is called a shepherd.
In his story Jesus told about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. But then one of the sheep got lost. It may have wanted to see what was on the other side of the hill. But before long, that sheep was far away from the others. Can you imagine how that sheep felt when it looked around and saw that it was all alone?—
What would the shepherd do when he found that the one sheep was missing? Would he say that this was all the sheep’s fault anyway so he wasn’t going to worry about it? Or would he leave the 99 sheep in a safe place and go looking for just the one? Would one sheep be worth that much trouble?— If you were that lost sheep, would you want the shepherd to look for you?—
The shepherd loved all his sheep very much, even the one that was lost. So he went in search of the missing one. Think of how glad that lost sheep was when it saw the shepherd coming! And Jesus said that the shepherd rejoiced that he had found his sheep. He rejoiced over it more than over the 99 sheep that had not got lost. Now, who is like that shepherd in Jesus’ story? Who cares for us as much as that shepherd did for his sheep?— Jesus said that his Father in heaven does. And his Father is Jehovah.
Jehovah God is the Great Shepherd of his people. He loves all of those who serve him, including young ones like you. He does not want any of us to be hurt or destroyed. Surely it is wonderful to know that God cares for us that much!—Matthew 18:12-14.
Do you really believe in Jehovah God?— Is he a real person to you?— It is true that we cannot see Jehovah. This is because he is a Spirit. He has a body that is invisible to our eyes. But he is a real person, and he can see us. He knows when we need help. And we can talk to him in prayer, just as we talk to another person on earth. Jehovah wants us to do this.
So if you ever feel sad or all alone, what should you do?— Talk to Jehovah. Draw close to him, and he will comfort and help you. Remember that Jehovah loves you, even when you feel as if you are all alone. Let’s get our Bible. Here in Psalm 23, we are told, beginning at verse 1: "Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by well-watered resting-places he conducts me."
Notice what the writer adds, in verse 4: "Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you are with me; your rod and your staff are the things that comfort me." That’s the way people feel if their God is Jehovah. They find comfort when they are in trouble. Is that the way you feel?—
As a loving shepherd takes care of his flock, so Jehovah takes good care of his people. He shows them the right way to go, and they gladly follow him. Even when there is trouble all around them, they do not need to be afraid. A shepherd uses his rod or his staff to protect the sheep from animals that might harm them. The Bible tells about how the young shepherd David protected his sheep from a lion and a bear. (1 Samuel 17:34-36) And God’s people know that Jehovah will protect them too. They can feel safe because God is with them.
Jehovah really loves his sheep, and he tenderly cares for them. The Bible says: ‘Like a shepherd he will lead his own sheep. With his arms he will collect the little ones together. The young ones he will help along with care.’—Isaiah 40:11.
Doesn’t it make you feel good to know that Jehovah is like that?— Do you want to be one of his sheep?— Sheep listen to the voice of their shepherd. They stay close to him. Do you listen to Jehovah?— Do you stay close to him?— Then you never need to be afraid. Jehovah will be with you.
Jehovah lovingly cares for those who serve him. Let’s read together what the Bible says about this, at Psalm 37:25 (36:25, "Dy"); 55:22 (54:23, "Dy"); and Luke 12:29-31.
[Picture on page 163]
How do you think this little lost sheep feels?
[Picture on page 164]
Who is like the shepherd that has rescued his sheep?
[Picture on page 165]
Is Jehovah as real to you as your father or some other person is?
[Picture on page 166]
Like a shepherd protecting his sheep, who can help us when we are in trouble?
Friday, March 13, 2009
This is My son - ch. 5 of Learn from the Great Teacher book
Chapter 5
"This Is My Son"
WHEN children do good things, those who take care of them are pleased. When a girl does something well, her father is glad to be able to tell others: "This is my daughter." Or if a boy does good things, a father is happy to say: "This is my son."
Jesus always does what pleases his Father. So his Father is proud of him. Do you remember what Jesus’ Father did one day when Jesus was with three of his followers?— Yes, God spoke all the way from heaven to tell them: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."—Matthew 17:5.
Jesus is always happy to do things that please his Father. Do you know why? Because he really loves his Father. If a person does things only because he has to do them, this seems hard. But when he is willing, it is easier. Do you know what it means to be willing?— It means really wanting to do something.
Even before Jesus came to earth, he was willing to do whatever his Father asked him to do. This is because he loves his Father, Jehovah God. Jesus had a wonderful place in heaven with his Father. But God had a special work for Jesus to do. To do that work, Jesus had to leave heaven. He had to be born as a baby on earth. Jesus was willing to do this because Jehovah wanted him to do it.
To be born as a baby on earth, Jesus had to have a mother. Do you know who she was?— Her name was Mary. Jehovah sent his angel Gabriel from heaven to talk to Mary. Gabriel told her that she was going to have a baby boy. The baby would be named Jesus. And who would the baby’s father be?— The angel said that the baby’s Father would be Jehovah God. That is why Jesus would be called the Son of God.
How do you think Mary felt about this?— Did she say, "I don’t want to be the mother of Jesus"? No, Mary was ready to do what God wanted. But how could God’s Son in heaven be born as a baby on earth? How was Jesus’ birth different from the birth of all other babies? Do you know?—
Well, God made our first parents, Adam and Eve, so that they could come together in a wonderful way. Afterward, a baby could begin to grow inside his mother. People say that this is a miracle! I’m sure you will agree.
Now God did something that was an even more wonderful miracle. He took the life of his Son from heaven and put it inside Mary. God had never done that before, and he has never done it since. As a result of this miracle, Jesus began to grow inside of Mary just as other babies grow inside of their mothers. After that, Mary married Joseph.
When the time came for Jesus to be born, Mary and Joseph were visiting the city of Bethlehem. But it was full of people. There was not even a room for Mary and Joseph, so they had to stay in a place where animals were kept. There Mary gave birth, and Jesus was put in a manger, as you can see here. A manger is a place that holds feed for cows and other animals to eat.
Exciting things happened on the night Jesus was born. Near Bethlehem, an angel appeared to some shepherds. He told them that Jesus was an important person. The angel said: ‘Look! I am telling you good news that will make people happy. Today someone was born who will save the people.’—Luke 2:10, 11.
The angel told the shepherds that they could find Jesus in Bethlehem, lying in a manger. Then, suddenly, other angels in heaven joined the first angel in praising God. ‘Glory to God,’ the angels sang, "and upon earth peace among men of goodwill."—Luke 2:12-14.
When the angels left, the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Jesus. There they told Joseph and Mary all the good things they had heard. Can you imagine how happy Mary was that she had been willing to be Jesus’ mother?
Later, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the city of Nazareth. That is where Jesus grew up. When he was grown, he began his great teaching work. This was part of the work Jehovah God wanted his Son to do on earth. Jesus was willing to do that work because Jesus loved his heavenly Father very much.
Before Jesus started his work as the Great Teacher, he was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Then something amazing happened! As Jesus was coming up out of the water, Jehovah spoke from heaven, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." (Matthew 3:17) Don’t you feel good when your parents tell you that they love you?— We can be sure that Jesus did too.
Jesus always did what was right. He did not pretend to be someone that he was not. He did not tell people that he was God. The angel Gabriel had told Mary that Jesus would be called the Son of God. Jesus himself said that he was God’s Son. And he did not tell people that he knew more than his Father. He said: "The Father is greater than I am."—John 14:28.
Even in heaven, when Jesus’ Father gave him work to do, Jesus did it. He did not say that he would do it but instead do something else. He loved his Father. So he listened to what his Father said. Then when Jesus came to the earth, he did what his heavenly Father sent him to do. He did not spend his time doing something else. No wonder that Jehovah is pleased with his Son!
We want to please Jehovah too, don’t we?— Then we must show that we really listen to God, as Jesus did. God speaks to us through the Bible. It would not be right to pretend to listen to God but then to believe and do things that are contrary to the Bible, would it?— And remember, we will be happy to please Jehovah if we really love him.
Now read these other Bible texts that show what we need to know and believe about Jesus: Matthew 7:21-23; John 4:25, 26; and 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
[Picture on page 33]
What did the angel Gabriel tell Mary?
[Picture on page 34]
Why is Jesus being put in a manger?
[Picture on page 35]
What good news has one of these angels told the shepherds?
"This Is My Son"
WHEN children do good things, those who take care of them are pleased. When a girl does something well, her father is glad to be able to tell others: "This is my daughter." Or if a boy does good things, a father is happy to say: "This is my son."
Jesus always does what pleases his Father. So his Father is proud of him. Do you remember what Jesus’ Father did one day when Jesus was with three of his followers?— Yes, God spoke all the way from heaven to tell them: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."—Matthew 17:5.
Jesus is always happy to do things that please his Father. Do you know why? Because he really loves his Father. If a person does things only because he has to do them, this seems hard. But when he is willing, it is easier. Do you know what it means to be willing?— It means really wanting to do something.
Even before Jesus came to earth, he was willing to do whatever his Father asked him to do. This is because he loves his Father, Jehovah God. Jesus had a wonderful place in heaven with his Father. But God had a special work for Jesus to do. To do that work, Jesus had to leave heaven. He had to be born as a baby on earth. Jesus was willing to do this because Jehovah wanted him to do it.
To be born as a baby on earth, Jesus had to have a mother. Do you know who she was?— Her name was Mary. Jehovah sent his angel Gabriel from heaven to talk to Mary. Gabriel told her that she was going to have a baby boy. The baby would be named Jesus. And who would the baby’s father be?— The angel said that the baby’s Father would be Jehovah God. That is why Jesus would be called the Son of God.
How do you think Mary felt about this?— Did she say, "I don’t want to be the mother of Jesus"? No, Mary was ready to do what God wanted. But how could God’s Son in heaven be born as a baby on earth? How was Jesus’ birth different from the birth of all other babies? Do you know?—
Well, God made our first parents, Adam and Eve, so that they could come together in a wonderful way. Afterward, a baby could begin to grow inside his mother. People say that this is a miracle! I’m sure you will agree.
Now God did something that was an even more wonderful miracle. He took the life of his Son from heaven and put it inside Mary. God had never done that before, and he has never done it since. As a result of this miracle, Jesus began to grow inside of Mary just as other babies grow inside of their mothers. After that, Mary married Joseph.
When the time came for Jesus to be born, Mary and Joseph were visiting the city of Bethlehem. But it was full of people. There was not even a room for Mary and Joseph, so they had to stay in a place where animals were kept. There Mary gave birth, and Jesus was put in a manger, as you can see here. A manger is a place that holds feed for cows and other animals to eat.
Exciting things happened on the night Jesus was born. Near Bethlehem, an angel appeared to some shepherds. He told them that Jesus was an important person. The angel said: ‘Look! I am telling you good news that will make people happy. Today someone was born who will save the people.’—Luke 2:10, 11.
The angel told the shepherds that they could find Jesus in Bethlehem, lying in a manger. Then, suddenly, other angels in heaven joined the first angel in praising God. ‘Glory to God,’ the angels sang, "and upon earth peace among men of goodwill."—Luke 2:12-14.
When the angels left, the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Jesus. There they told Joseph and Mary all the good things they had heard. Can you imagine how happy Mary was that she had been willing to be Jesus’ mother?
Later, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the city of Nazareth. That is where Jesus grew up. When he was grown, he began his great teaching work. This was part of the work Jehovah God wanted his Son to do on earth. Jesus was willing to do that work because Jesus loved his heavenly Father very much.
Before Jesus started his work as the Great Teacher, he was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Then something amazing happened! As Jesus was coming up out of the water, Jehovah spoke from heaven, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." (Matthew 3:17) Don’t you feel good when your parents tell you that they love you?— We can be sure that Jesus did too.
Jesus always did what was right. He did not pretend to be someone that he was not. He did not tell people that he was God. The angel Gabriel had told Mary that Jesus would be called the Son of God. Jesus himself said that he was God’s Son. And he did not tell people that he knew more than his Father. He said: "The Father is greater than I am."—John 14:28.
Even in heaven, when Jesus’ Father gave him work to do, Jesus did it. He did not say that he would do it but instead do something else. He loved his Father. So he listened to what his Father said. Then when Jesus came to the earth, he did what his heavenly Father sent him to do. He did not spend his time doing something else. No wonder that Jehovah is pleased with his Son!
We want to please Jehovah too, don’t we?— Then we must show that we really listen to God, as Jesus did. God speaks to us through the Bible. It would not be right to pretend to listen to God but then to believe and do things that are contrary to the Bible, would it?— And remember, we will be happy to please Jehovah if we really love him.
Now read these other Bible texts that show what we need to know and believe about Jesus: Matthew 7:21-23; John 4:25, 26; and 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
[Picture on page 33]
What did the angel Gabriel tell Mary?
[Picture on page 34]
Why is Jesus being put in a manger?
[Picture on page 35]
What good news has one of these angels told the shepherds?
God has a Name
Chapter 4
God Has a Name
WHAT is often the first thing you ask someone when you first meet him?— Yes, you ask what his name is. We all have names. God gave the first man on earth a name. He named him Adam. Adam’s wife was named Eve.
However, it is not only people who have names. Think about other things that also do. When someone gives you a doll or a pet, you give it a name, don’t you?— Yes, having a name is very important.
Look up at the many, many stars at night. Do you think they have names?— Yes, God gave a name to each star in the sky. The Bible tells us: "He is counting the number of the stars; all of them he calls by their names."—Psalm 147:4.
Who would you say is the most important person in the whole universe?— Yes, it is God. Do you think that he has a name?— Jesus said that He does. Jesus once said in prayer to God: ‘I have made your name known to my followers.’ (John 17:26) Do you know God’s name?— God himself tells us what it is. He says: "I am Jehovah. That is my name." So God’s name is JEHOVAH.—Isaiah 42:8.
How does it make you feel when others remember your name?— You are happy, aren’t you?— Jehovah wants people to know his name too. So we should use the name Jehovah when we talk about God. The Great Teacher used God’s name, Jehovah, when he spoke to people. One time Jesus said: "You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart."—Mark 12:30.
Jesus knew that "Jehovah" is a very important name. So he taught his followers to use God’s name. He even taught them to speak about God’s name in their prayers. Jesus knew that God wants all people to know His name, Jehovah.
Long ago God showed the importance of his name to the man Moses, who was one of the sons of Israel. The sons of Israel, who were called Israelites, lived in the land called Egypt. The people of that land were known as Egyptians. They made the Israelites slaves and were very mean to them. When Moses grew up, he tried to help one of his people. This made Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, angry. He wanted to kill Moses! So Moses ran away from Egypt.
Moses went to another land. It was the land of Midian. There Moses got married and began to raise a family. He also worked as a shepherd, taking care of sheep. One day Moses was busy caring for his sheep near a mountain when he saw an amazing thing. A thornbush was on fire, but it was not burning up! Moses went closer to get a better look.
Do you know what happened?— Moses heard a voice calling from the middle of that burning thornbush. The voice called out, "Moses! Moses!" Who was saying that?— It was God speaking! God had a lot of work for Moses to do. God said: ‘Come and let me send you to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and you bring my people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.’ God promised to help Moses do this.
But Moses said to God: ‘Suppose I come to the sons of Israel in Egypt and say that God sent me. What if they ask me, "What is his name?" What shall I say?’ God told Moses to tell the sons of Israel: ‘Jehovah has sent me to you. Jehovah is my name forever.’ (Exodus 3:1-15) This shows that God was going to keep the name Jehovah. He would never change it. God wanted to be known by his name, Jehovah, forever.
When Moses went back to Egypt, the Egyptians thought that Jehovah was just a small god of the Israelites. They did not think that he was the God of the whole earth. So Jehovah told the king of Egypt: ‘I am going to make my name known in all the earth.’ (Exodus 9:16) Jehovah did make his name known. Do you know how he did that?—
Well, he had Moses lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. When they came to the Red Sea, Jehovah made a dry path right through it. The Israelites marched safely through on dry land. But after Pharaoh and all his army entered the dry seabed, the waters that had been held back on both sides fell upon the Egyptians, and they all died.
Soon people in all the earth began to hear what Jehovah had done at the Red Sea. How do we know they heard about it?— Well, about 40 years later, the Israelites came to Canaan, which is the land that Jehovah had promised to give to them. There two Israelite men were told by the young woman Rahab: "We have heard how Jehovah dried up the waters of the Red Sea from before you when you came out of Egypt."—Joshua 2:10.
Today many people are just like those Egyptians. They do not believe that Jehovah is the God of the whole earth. So Jehovah wants his own people to tell others about him. This is what Jesus did. Toward the end of his life on earth, he told Jehovah in prayer: "I have made your name known to them."—John 17:26.
Do you want to be like Jesus? Then tell others that God’s name is Jehovah. You may find that many people do not know that. So perhaps you can show them the scripture in the Bible at Psalm 83:18. Let’s get the Bible right now and find that scripture together. It says: "That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth."
What do we learn from reading this?— Yes, we learn that Jehovah is the most important name there is. It is the name of Almighty God, the Father of Jesus and the One who made all things. And remember, Jesus said that we should love Jehovah God with our whole heart. Do you love Jehovah?—
How can we show that we love Jehovah?— One way is by getting to know him as a Friend. Another way is by telling others what his name is. We can show them right from the Bible that his name is Jehovah. We can also tell about the wonderful things Jehovah has made and the good things he has done. This makes Jehovah very happy because he wants people to know about him. We can have a share in doing that, can’t we?—
Not everyone will want to listen when we speak about Jehovah. Many people did not listen even when Jesus, the Great Teacher, talked about Him. But that did not stop Jesus from speaking about Jehovah.
So let’s be like Jesus. Let’s keep talking about Jehovah. If we do, Jehovah God will be pleased with us because we show love for his name.
Now read together from the Bible a few more texts showing the importance of God’s name: Isaiah 12:4, 5; Matthew 6:9; John 17:6; and Romans 10:13.
[Picture on page 27]
Did you know that all the stars have names?
[Picture on page 28]
What important thing did Moses learn at the burning thornbush?
[Picture on page 29]
How did God make his name known at the Red Sea?
[Pictures on page 30]
Jesus made God’s name known. Can you point out God’s name in the Bible?
God Has a Name
WHAT is often the first thing you ask someone when you first meet him?— Yes, you ask what his name is. We all have names. God gave the first man on earth a name. He named him Adam. Adam’s wife was named Eve.
However, it is not only people who have names. Think about other things that also do. When someone gives you a doll or a pet, you give it a name, don’t you?— Yes, having a name is very important.
Look up at the many, many stars at night. Do you think they have names?— Yes, God gave a name to each star in the sky. The Bible tells us: "He is counting the number of the stars; all of them he calls by their names."—Psalm 147:4.
Who would you say is the most important person in the whole universe?— Yes, it is God. Do you think that he has a name?— Jesus said that He does. Jesus once said in prayer to God: ‘I have made your name known to my followers.’ (John 17:26) Do you know God’s name?— God himself tells us what it is. He says: "I am Jehovah. That is my name." So God’s name is JEHOVAH.—Isaiah 42:8.
How does it make you feel when others remember your name?— You are happy, aren’t you?— Jehovah wants people to know his name too. So we should use the name Jehovah when we talk about God. The Great Teacher used God’s name, Jehovah, when he spoke to people. One time Jesus said: "You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart."—Mark 12:30.
Jesus knew that "Jehovah" is a very important name. So he taught his followers to use God’s name. He even taught them to speak about God’s name in their prayers. Jesus knew that God wants all people to know His name, Jehovah.
Long ago God showed the importance of his name to the man Moses, who was one of the sons of Israel. The sons of Israel, who were called Israelites, lived in the land called Egypt. The people of that land were known as Egyptians. They made the Israelites slaves and were very mean to them. When Moses grew up, he tried to help one of his people. This made Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, angry. He wanted to kill Moses! So Moses ran away from Egypt.
Moses went to another land. It was the land of Midian. There Moses got married and began to raise a family. He also worked as a shepherd, taking care of sheep. One day Moses was busy caring for his sheep near a mountain when he saw an amazing thing. A thornbush was on fire, but it was not burning up! Moses went closer to get a better look.
Do you know what happened?— Moses heard a voice calling from the middle of that burning thornbush. The voice called out, "Moses! Moses!" Who was saying that?— It was God speaking! God had a lot of work for Moses to do. God said: ‘Come and let me send you to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and you bring my people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.’ God promised to help Moses do this.
But Moses said to God: ‘Suppose I come to the sons of Israel in Egypt and say that God sent me. What if they ask me, "What is his name?" What shall I say?’ God told Moses to tell the sons of Israel: ‘Jehovah has sent me to you. Jehovah is my name forever.’ (Exodus 3:1-15) This shows that God was going to keep the name Jehovah. He would never change it. God wanted to be known by his name, Jehovah, forever.
When Moses went back to Egypt, the Egyptians thought that Jehovah was just a small god of the Israelites. They did not think that he was the God of the whole earth. So Jehovah told the king of Egypt: ‘I am going to make my name known in all the earth.’ (Exodus 9:16) Jehovah did make his name known. Do you know how he did that?—
Well, he had Moses lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. When they came to the Red Sea, Jehovah made a dry path right through it. The Israelites marched safely through on dry land. But after Pharaoh and all his army entered the dry seabed, the waters that had been held back on both sides fell upon the Egyptians, and they all died.
Soon people in all the earth began to hear what Jehovah had done at the Red Sea. How do we know they heard about it?— Well, about 40 years later, the Israelites came to Canaan, which is the land that Jehovah had promised to give to them. There two Israelite men were told by the young woman Rahab: "We have heard how Jehovah dried up the waters of the Red Sea from before you when you came out of Egypt."—Joshua 2:10.
Today many people are just like those Egyptians. They do not believe that Jehovah is the God of the whole earth. So Jehovah wants his own people to tell others about him. This is what Jesus did. Toward the end of his life on earth, he told Jehovah in prayer: "I have made your name known to them."—John 17:26.
Do you want to be like Jesus? Then tell others that God’s name is Jehovah. You may find that many people do not know that. So perhaps you can show them the scripture in the Bible at Psalm 83:18. Let’s get the Bible right now and find that scripture together. It says: "That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth."
What do we learn from reading this?— Yes, we learn that Jehovah is the most important name there is. It is the name of Almighty God, the Father of Jesus and the One who made all things. And remember, Jesus said that we should love Jehovah God with our whole heart. Do you love Jehovah?—
How can we show that we love Jehovah?— One way is by getting to know him as a Friend. Another way is by telling others what his name is. We can show them right from the Bible that his name is Jehovah. We can also tell about the wonderful things Jehovah has made and the good things he has done. This makes Jehovah very happy because he wants people to know about him. We can have a share in doing that, can’t we?—
Not everyone will want to listen when we speak about Jehovah. Many people did not listen even when Jesus, the Great Teacher, talked about Him. But that did not stop Jesus from speaking about Jehovah.
So let’s be like Jesus. Let’s keep talking about Jehovah. If we do, Jehovah God will be pleased with us because we show love for his name.
Now read together from the Bible a few more texts showing the importance of God’s name: Isaiah 12:4, 5; Matthew 6:9; John 17:6; and Romans 10:13.
[Picture on page 27]
Did you know that all the stars have names?
[Picture on page 28]
What important thing did Moses learn at the burning thornbush?
[Picture on page 29]
How did God make his name known at the Red Sea?
[Pictures on page 30]
Jesus made God’s name known. Can you point out God’s name in the Bible?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Baptism and your relationship with God
Baptism and Your Relationship With God
How is Christian baptism performed?
What steps do you need to take to qualify for baptism?
How does a person make a dedication to God?
What is the special reason for getting baptized?
“LOOK! A body of water; what prevents me from getting baptized?” That question was asked by an Ethiopian court official in the first century. A Christian named Philip had proved to him that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Touched to the heart by what he had learned from the Scriptures, the Ethiopian man took action. He showed that he wanted to be baptized!-Acts 8:26-36.
2 If you have carefully studied the earlier chapters of this book with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you may feel ready to ask, ‘What prevents me from getting baptized?’ By now you have learned about the Bible’s promise of everlasting life in Paradise. (Luke 23:43; Revelation 21:3, 4) You have also learned about the true condition of the dead and the resurrection hope. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 5:28, 29) You have probably been associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses at their congregation meetings and have seen for yourself how they practice the true religion. (John 13:35) Most important, you have likely begun to develop a personal relationship with Jehovah God.
3 How can you show that you want to serve God? Jesus told his followers: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them.” (Matthew 28:19) Jesus himself set the example by being baptized in water. He was not sprinkled with water, and he did not just have some water poured over his head. (Matthew 3:16) The word “baptize” comes from a Greek term meaning “dip.” Christian baptism therefore means being fully dipped, or immersed, in water.
4 Water baptism is a requirement for all who want to have a relationship with Jehovah God. Baptism publicly indicates your desire to serve God. It shows that you are delighted to do Jehovah’s will. (Psalm 40:7, 8) To qualify for baptism, however, you must take definite steps.
KNOWLEDGE AND FAITH NEEDED
5 You have already begun to take the first step. How? By taking in knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, perhaps by means of a systematic study of the Bible. (John 17:3) But there is more to learn. Christians want to be “filled with the accurate knowledge of [God’s] will.” (Colossians 1:9) Attending the congregation meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a big help in this regard. It is important to attend such meetings. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Regular meeting attendance will help you increase your knowledge of God.
6 Of course, you do not need to know everything in the Bible in order to qualify for baptism. The Ethiopian court official had some knowledge, but he needed help to understand certain parts of the Scriptures. (Acts 8:30, 31) Likewise, you still have much to learn. In fact, you will never stop learning about God. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Before you can be baptized, however, you need to know and accept at least the basic Bible teachings. (Hebrews 5:12) Such teachings include the truth about the condition of the dead and the importance of God’s name and his Kingdom.
7 Knowledge alone is not enough, though, for “without faith it is impossible to please [God] well.” (Hebrews 11:6) The Bible tells us that when some people in the ancient city of Corinth heard the Christian message, they “began to believe and be baptized.” (Acts 18:8) In a similar way, a study of the Bible should fill you with faith that it is the inspired Word of God. Bible study should help you to have faith in God’s promises and in the saving power of Jesus’ sacrifice.-Joshua 23:14; Acts 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
SHARING BIBLE TRUTH WITH OTHERS
8 As faith grows in your heart, you will find it hard to keep what you have learned to yourself. (Jeremiah 20:9) You will be strongly motivated to speak to others about God and his purposes.-2 Corinthians 4:13.
9 You might begin to share Bible truth with others by tactfully speaking about it to your relatives, friends, neighbors, and workmates. In time, you will want to share in the organized preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At that point, feel free to talk things over with the Witness who is teaching you the Bible. If it appears that you qualify for the public ministry, arrangements will be made for you and your teacher to meet with two of the congregation elders.
10 This will enable you to get better acquainted with some Christian elders, who shepherd the flock of God. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2, 3) If these elders see that you understand and believe basic Bible teachings, are living in harmony with God’s principles, and truly want to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, they will let you know that you qualify to share in the public ministry as an unbaptized publisher of the good news.
11 On the other hand, you may need to make some changes in your life-style and habits in order to qualify for the public ministry. This may include stopping some practices that have been kept secret from others. Hence, before you ask about becoming an unbaptized publisher, you need to be free of serious sins, such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, and drug abuse.-1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21.
REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION
12 Some other steps must be taken before you qualify for baptism. The apostle Peter said: “Repent . . . and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out.” (Acts 3:19) To repent is to feel sincere regret over something you have done. Repentance is clearly fitting if a person has lived an immoral life, but it is also necessary even if one has lived a relatively clean life morally. Why? Because all humans are sinners and need God’s forgiveness. (Romans 3:23; 5:12) Before studying the Bible, you did not know what God’s will was. So how could you have lived in full harmony with his will? Therefore, repentance is necessary.
13 Repentance must be followed by conversion, or ‘turning around.’ You must do more than feel regret. You need to reject your former way of life and be firmly determined that you will do what is right from now on. Repentance and conversion are steps that you must take before being baptized.
MAKING A PERSONAL DEDICATION
14 There is another important step to take before being baptized. You must dedicate yourself to Jehovah God.
15 When you dedicate yourself to Jehovah God in earnest prayer, you promise to give him your exclusive devotion forever. (Deuteronomy 6:15) Why, though, would someone want to do that? Well, suppose a man has begun to court a woman. The more he learns about her and sees that she has fine qualities, the more he finds himself drawn to her. In time, it is natural that he would ask her to marry him. True, getting married will mean taking on additional responsibilities. But love will move him to take that important step.
16 When you come to know and love Jehovah, you are moved to serve him without holding anything back or setting any limits in worshiping him. Anyone who wants to follow God’s Son, Jesus Christ, has to “disown himself.” (Mark 8:34) We disown ourselves by making sure that personal desires and goals do not stand in the way of our complete obedience to God. Before you can be baptized, then, doing Jehovah God’s will must be your main purpose in life.-1 Peter 4:2.
OVERCOMING FEAR OF FAILURE
17 Some hold back from making a dedication to Jehovah because they are somewhat afraid of taking such a serious step. They may fear being accountable to God as a dedicated Christian. Being afraid that they may fail and disappoint Jehovah, they think that it is best not to make a dedication to him.
18 As you learn to love Jehovah, you will be moved to make a dedication to him and to do your best to live up to it. (Ecclesiastes 5:4) After making a dedication, surely you will want to “walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him.” (Colossians 1:10) Because of your love for God, you will not think it is too hard to do his will. No doubt you will agree with the apostle John, who wrote: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.”-1 John 5:3.
19 You do not have to be perfect to make a dedication to God. Jehovah knows your limitations and never expects you to do more than you are able to do. (Psalm 103:14) He wants you to succeed and will support and help you. (Isaiah 41:10) You can be sure that if you trust in Jehovah with all your heart, he “will make your paths straight.”-Proverbs 3:5, 6.
SYMBOLIZING YOUR DEDICATION BY GETTING BAPTIZED
20 Thinking about the things we have just discussed may help you to make a personal dedication to Jehovah in prayer. Everyone who really loves God must also ‘make public declaration for salvation.’ (Romans 10:10) How do you go about doing that?
21 Let the presiding overseer of your congregation know that you want to get baptized. He will arrange for some elders to review with you a number of questions that cover the Bible’s basic teachings. If these elders agree that you qualify, they will tell you that you can be baptized at the next opportunity. A talk reviewing the meaning of baptism is usually given on such occasions. The speaker then invites all baptism candidates to answer two simple questions as one way to make a verbal “public declaration” of their faith.
22 It is the baptism itself that publicly identifies you as a person who has made a dedication to God and is now one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptism candidates are fully immersed in water to show publicly that they have made a dedication to Jehovah.
THE MEANING OF YOUR BAPTISM
23 Jesus said that his disciples would be baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) This means that a baptism candidate recognizes the authority of Jehovah God and of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 83:18; Matthew 28:18) He also recognizes the function and activity of God’s holy spirit, or active force.-Galatians 5:22, 23; 2 Peter 1:21.
24 However, baptism is not a mere bath. It is a symbol of something very important. Going beneath the water symbolizes that you have died to your former life course. Being raised up out of the water indicates that you are now alive to do the will of God. Remember, too, that you have made a dedication to Jehovah God himself, not to a work, a cause, other humans, or an organization. Your dedication and baptism are the beginning of a very close friendship with God-an intimate relationship with him.-Psalm 25:14.
25 Baptism does not guarantee salvation. The apostle Paul wrote: “Keep working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Baptism is only a beginning. The question is, How can you remain in God’s love? Our final chapter will provide the answer.
[Footnote]
Baptisms are a regular feature of annual assemblies and conventions held by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
? Christian baptism involves complete immersion in water, not just sprinkling.-Matthew 3:16.
? Steps leading to baptism begin with taking in knowledge and showing faith followed by repentance, conversion, and the dedicating of oneself to God.-John 17:3; Acts 3:19; 18:8.
? To make a dedication to Jehovah, you must disown yourself, even as people disowned themselves to follow Jesus.-Mark 8:34.
? Baptism symbolizes dying to one’s former way of life and becoming alive to do God’s will.-1 Peter 4:2.
[Study Questions]
1. Why did an Ethiopian court official request baptism?
2. Why should you think seriously about baptism?
3. (a) What command did Jesus give his followers? (b) How is water baptism performed?
4. What does water baptism indicate?
5. (a) What is the first step in qualifying for baptism? (b) Why are Christian meetings important?
6. How much Bible knowledge must you have in order to qualify for baptism?
7. What effect should a study of the Bible have on you?
8. What will move you to share with others what you have learned?
9, 10. (a) With whom might you begin sharing Bible truth? (b) What should you do if you want to share in the organized preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
11. What changes might some have to make before they qualify for the public ministry?
12. Why is repentance necessary?
13. What is conversion?
14. What important step must you take before being baptized?
15, 16. What does it mean to dedicate yourself to God, and what moves a person to do this?
17. Why might some hold back from making a dedication to God?
18. What can move you to make a dedication to Jehovah?
19. Why do you not need to fear making a dedication to God?
20. Why can dedication to Jehovah not remain a private matter?
21, 22. How can you make “public declaration” of your faith?
23. What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit”?
24, 25. (a) What does baptism symbolize? (b) What question needs to be answered?
[Picture on page 180]
Acquiring accurate knowledge of God’s Word is an important step toward qualifying for baptism
[Picture on page 180]
Faith should move you to share what you believe with others
[Picture on page 180, 181]
Have you made a personal dedication to God in prayer?
[Picture on page 181]
Baptism means dying to our former way of life and becoming alive to do God’s will
How is Christian baptism performed?
What steps do you need to take to qualify for baptism?
How does a person make a dedication to God?
What is the special reason for getting baptized?
“LOOK! A body of water; what prevents me from getting baptized?” That question was asked by an Ethiopian court official in the first century. A Christian named Philip had proved to him that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Touched to the heart by what he had learned from the Scriptures, the Ethiopian man took action. He showed that he wanted to be baptized!-Acts 8:26-36.
2 If you have carefully studied the earlier chapters of this book with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you may feel ready to ask, ‘What prevents me from getting baptized?’ By now you have learned about the Bible’s promise of everlasting life in Paradise. (Luke 23:43; Revelation 21:3, 4) You have also learned about the true condition of the dead and the resurrection hope. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 5:28, 29) You have probably been associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses at their congregation meetings and have seen for yourself how they practice the true religion. (John 13:35) Most important, you have likely begun to develop a personal relationship with Jehovah God.
3 How can you show that you want to serve God? Jesus told his followers: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them.” (Matthew 28:19) Jesus himself set the example by being baptized in water. He was not sprinkled with water, and he did not just have some water poured over his head. (Matthew 3:16) The word “baptize” comes from a Greek term meaning “dip.” Christian baptism therefore means being fully dipped, or immersed, in water.
4 Water baptism is a requirement for all who want to have a relationship with Jehovah God. Baptism publicly indicates your desire to serve God. It shows that you are delighted to do Jehovah’s will. (Psalm 40:7, 8) To qualify for baptism, however, you must take definite steps.
KNOWLEDGE AND FAITH NEEDED
5 You have already begun to take the first step. How? By taking in knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, perhaps by means of a systematic study of the Bible. (John 17:3) But there is more to learn. Christians want to be “filled with the accurate knowledge of [God’s] will.” (Colossians 1:9) Attending the congregation meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a big help in this regard. It is important to attend such meetings. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Regular meeting attendance will help you increase your knowledge of God.
6 Of course, you do not need to know everything in the Bible in order to qualify for baptism. The Ethiopian court official had some knowledge, but he needed help to understand certain parts of the Scriptures. (Acts 8:30, 31) Likewise, you still have much to learn. In fact, you will never stop learning about God. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Before you can be baptized, however, you need to know and accept at least the basic Bible teachings. (Hebrews 5:12) Such teachings include the truth about the condition of the dead and the importance of God’s name and his Kingdom.
7 Knowledge alone is not enough, though, for “without faith it is impossible to please [God] well.” (Hebrews 11:6) The Bible tells us that when some people in the ancient city of Corinth heard the Christian message, they “began to believe and be baptized.” (Acts 18:8) In a similar way, a study of the Bible should fill you with faith that it is the inspired Word of God. Bible study should help you to have faith in God’s promises and in the saving power of Jesus’ sacrifice.-Joshua 23:14; Acts 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
SHARING BIBLE TRUTH WITH OTHERS
8 As faith grows in your heart, you will find it hard to keep what you have learned to yourself. (Jeremiah 20:9) You will be strongly motivated to speak to others about God and his purposes.-2 Corinthians 4:13.
9 You might begin to share Bible truth with others by tactfully speaking about it to your relatives, friends, neighbors, and workmates. In time, you will want to share in the organized preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At that point, feel free to talk things over with the Witness who is teaching you the Bible. If it appears that you qualify for the public ministry, arrangements will be made for you and your teacher to meet with two of the congregation elders.
10 This will enable you to get better acquainted with some Christian elders, who shepherd the flock of God. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2, 3) If these elders see that you understand and believe basic Bible teachings, are living in harmony with God’s principles, and truly want to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, they will let you know that you qualify to share in the public ministry as an unbaptized publisher of the good news.
11 On the other hand, you may need to make some changes in your life-style and habits in order to qualify for the public ministry. This may include stopping some practices that have been kept secret from others. Hence, before you ask about becoming an unbaptized publisher, you need to be free of serious sins, such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, and drug abuse.-1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21.
REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION
12 Some other steps must be taken before you qualify for baptism. The apostle Peter said: “Repent . . . and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out.” (Acts 3:19) To repent is to feel sincere regret over something you have done. Repentance is clearly fitting if a person has lived an immoral life, but it is also necessary even if one has lived a relatively clean life morally. Why? Because all humans are sinners and need God’s forgiveness. (Romans 3:23; 5:12) Before studying the Bible, you did not know what God’s will was. So how could you have lived in full harmony with his will? Therefore, repentance is necessary.
13 Repentance must be followed by conversion, or ‘turning around.’ You must do more than feel regret. You need to reject your former way of life and be firmly determined that you will do what is right from now on. Repentance and conversion are steps that you must take before being baptized.
MAKING A PERSONAL DEDICATION
14 There is another important step to take before being baptized. You must dedicate yourself to Jehovah God.
15 When you dedicate yourself to Jehovah God in earnest prayer, you promise to give him your exclusive devotion forever. (Deuteronomy 6:15) Why, though, would someone want to do that? Well, suppose a man has begun to court a woman. The more he learns about her and sees that she has fine qualities, the more he finds himself drawn to her. In time, it is natural that he would ask her to marry him. True, getting married will mean taking on additional responsibilities. But love will move him to take that important step.
16 When you come to know and love Jehovah, you are moved to serve him without holding anything back or setting any limits in worshiping him. Anyone who wants to follow God’s Son, Jesus Christ, has to “disown himself.” (Mark 8:34) We disown ourselves by making sure that personal desires and goals do not stand in the way of our complete obedience to God. Before you can be baptized, then, doing Jehovah God’s will must be your main purpose in life.-1 Peter 4:2.
OVERCOMING FEAR OF FAILURE
17 Some hold back from making a dedication to Jehovah because they are somewhat afraid of taking such a serious step. They may fear being accountable to God as a dedicated Christian. Being afraid that they may fail and disappoint Jehovah, they think that it is best not to make a dedication to him.
18 As you learn to love Jehovah, you will be moved to make a dedication to him and to do your best to live up to it. (Ecclesiastes 5:4) After making a dedication, surely you will want to “walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him.” (Colossians 1:10) Because of your love for God, you will not think it is too hard to do his will. No doubt you will agree with the apostle John, who wrote: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.”-1 John 5:3.
19 You do not have to be perfect to make a dedication to God. Jehovah knows your limitations and never expects you to do more than you are able to do. (Psalm 103:14) He wants you to succeed and will support and help you. (Isaiah 41:10) You can be sure that if you trust in Jehovah with all your heart, he “will make your paths straight.”-Proverbs 3:5, 6.
SYMBOLIZING YOUR DEDICATION BY GETTING BAPTIZED
20 Thinking about the things we have just discussed may help you to make a personal dedication to Jehovah in prayer. Everyone who really loves God must also ‘make public declaration for salvation.’ (Romans 10:10) How do you go about doing that?
21 Let the presiding overseer of your congregation know that you want to get baptized. He will arrange for some elders to review with you a number of questions that cover the Bible’s basic teachings. If these elders agree that you qualify, they will tell you that you can be baptized at the next opportunity. A talk reviewing the meaning of baptism is usually given on such occasions. The speaker then invites all baptism candidates to answer two simple questions as one way to make a verbal “public declaration” of their faith.
22 It is the baptism itself that publicly identifies you as a person who has made a dedication to God and is now one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptism candidates are fully immersed in water to show publicly that they have made a dedication to Jehovah.
THE MEANING OF YOUR BAPTISM
23 Jesus said that his disciples would be baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) This means that a baptism candidate recognizes the authority of Jehovah God and of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 83:18; Matthew 28:18) He also recognizes the function and activity of God’s holy spirit, or active force.-Galatians 5:22, 23; 2 Peter 1:21.
24 However, baptism is not a mere bath. It is a symbol of something very important. Going beneath the water symbolizes that you have died to your former life course. Being raised up out of the water indicates that you are now alive to do the will of God. Remember, too, that you have made a dedication to Jehovah God himself, not to a work, a cause, other humans, or an organization. Your dedication and baptism are the beginning of a very close friendship with God-an intimate relationship with him.-Psalm 25:14.
25 Baptism does not guarantee salvation. The apostle Paul wrote: “Keep working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Baptism is only a beginning. The question is, How can you remain in God’s love? Our final chapter will provide the answer.
[Footnote]
Baptisms are a regular feature of annual assemblies and conventions held by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
? Christian baptism involves complete immersion in water, not just sprinkling.-Matthew 3:16.
? Steps leading to baptism begin with taking in knowledge and showing faith followed by repentance, conversion, and the dedicating of oneself to God.-John 17:3; Acts 3:19; 18:8.
? To make a dedication to Jehovah, you must disown yourself, even as people disowned themselves to follow Jesus.-Mark 8:34.
? Baptism symbolizes dying to one’s former way of life and becoming alive to do God’s will.-1 Peter 4:2.
[Study Questions]
1. Why did an Ethiopian court official request baptism?
2. Why should you think seriously about baptism?
3. (a) What command did Jesus give his followers? (b) How is water baptism performed?
4. What does water baptism indicate?
5. (a) What is the first step in qualifying for baptism? (b) Why are Christian meetings important?
6. How much Bible knowledge must you have in order to qualify for baptism?
7. What effect should a study of the Bible have on you?
8. What will move you to share with others what you have learned?
9, 10. (a) With whom might you begin sharing Bible truth? (b) What should you do if you want to share in the organized preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
11. What changes might some have to make before they qualify for the public ministry?
12. Why is repentance necessary?
13. What is conversion?
14. What important step must you take before being baptized?
15, 16. What does it mean to dedicate yourself to God, and what moves a person to do this?
17. Why might some hold back from making a dedication to God?
18. What can move you to make a dedication to Jehovah?
19. Why do you not need to fear making a dedication to God?
20. Why can dedication to Jehovah not remain a private matter?
21, 22. How can you make “public declaration” of your faith?
23. What does it mean to be baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit”?
24, 25. (a) What does baptism symbolize? (b) What question needs to be answered?
[Picture on page 180]
Acquiring accurate knowledge of God’s Word is an important step toward qualifying for baptism
[Picture on page 180]
Faith should move you to share what you believe with others
[Picture on page 180, 181]
Have you made a personal dedication to God in prayer?
[Picture on page 181]
Baptism means dying to our former way of life and becoming alive to do God’s will
Prayer
Draw Close to God in Prayer
Why should we pray to God?
What must we do to be heard by God?
How does God answer our prayers?
COMPARED with the vast universe, the earth is very small. In fact, to Jehovah, "the Maker of heaven and earth," the nations of mankind are like a tiny drop of water from a bucket. (Psalm 115:15; Isaiah 40:15) Yet, the Bible says: "Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness. The desire of those fearing him he will perform, and their cry for help he will hear." (Psalm 145:18, 19) Just think of what that means! The almighty Creator is near to us and will hear us if we "call upon him in trueness." What a privilege we have to approach God in prayer!
2 If we want Jehovah to listen to our prayers, however, we must pray to him in the way that he approves. How can we do this unless we understand what the Bible teaches about prayer? It is vital for us to know what the Scriptures say on this subject, for prayer helps us to draw closer to Jehovah.
WHY PRAY TO JEHOVAH?
3 One important reason why we should pray to Jehovah is that he invites us to do so. His Word encourages us: "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7) Surely we would not want to ignore such a kind provision made for us by the Supreme Ruler of the universe!
4 Another reason to pray is that regularly praying to Jehovah is a way to strengthen our relationship with him. True friends do not communicate only when they need something. Rather, good friends are interested in each other, and their friendship becomes stronger as they freely express their thoughts, concerns, and feelings. In some respects, the situation is similar when it comes to our relationship with Jehovah God. With the help of this book, you have learned much about what the Bible teaches regarding Jehovah, his personality, and his purposes. You have come to know him as a real person. Prayer gives you the opportunity to express your thoughts and innermost feelings to your heavenly Father. As you do, you draw closer to Jehovah.-James 4:8.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST WE MEET?
5 Does Jehovah listen to all prayers? Consider what he told rebellious Israelites in the days of the prophet Isaiah: "Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled." (Isaiah 1:15) So certain actions can cause God not to listen to our prayers. For our prayers to be favorably heard by God, therefore, we must meet some basic requirements.
6 A primary requirement is that we exercise faith. (Mark 11:24) The apostle Paul wrote: "Without faith it is impossible to please [God] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) Having true faith is more than merely knowing that God exists and that he hears and answers prayers. Faith is proved by our actions. We must give clear evidence that we have faith by the way we live every day.-James 2:26.
7 Jehovah also requires that those who approach him in prayer do so with humility and sincerity. Do we not have reason to be humble when speaking to Jehovah? When people have the opportunity to speak to a king or a president, they usually do so respectfully, acknowledging the ruler’s high position. How much more so should we be respectful when approaching Jehovah! (Psalm 138:6) After all, he is "God Almighty." (Genesis 17:1) When we pray to God, the manner in which we approach him should show that we humbly recognize our position before him. Such humility will also move us to pray from our heart in sincerity, avoiding routine, repetitive prayers.-Matthew 6:7, 8.
8 Another requirement for being heard by God is that we act in harmony with our prayers. Jehovah expects us to do all that is within our power to work at what we pray for. For example, if we pray, "Give us today our bread for this day," we must work hard at whatever available job we are able to perform. (Matthew 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) If we pray for help in overcoming a fleshly weakness, we must be careful to avoid circumstances and situations that could lead us into temptation. (Colossians 3:5) In addition to these basic requirements, there are questions about prayer that we need to have answered.
ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT PRAYER
9 To whom should we pray? Jesus taught his followers to pray to "our Father in the heavens." (Matthew 6:9) Our prayers, then, must be directed only to Jehovah God. However, Jehovah requires that we acknowledge the position of his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. As we learned in Chapter 5, Jesus was sent to the earth to serve as a ransom to redeem us from sin and death. (John 3:16; Romans 5:12) He is the appointed High Priest and Judge. (John 5:22; Hebrews 6:20) Hence, the Scriptures direct us to offer our prayers through Jesus. He himself said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) For our prayers to be heard, we must pray only to Jehovah through his Son.
10 Must we assume a special position or posture when praying? No. Jehovah does not require any specific position, either of the hands or of the whole body. The Bible teaches that it is acceptable to pray in a wide variety of positions. These include sitting, bowing, kneeling, and standing. (1 Chronicles 17:16; Nehemiah 8:6; Daniel 6:10; Mark 11:25) What is truly important is, not some special posture that can be seen by others, but the right heart attitude. In fact, during our daily activities or when we are faced with an emergency, we may offer a silent prayer wherever we are. Jehovah hears such prayers even though they may go completely unnoticed by those around us.-Nehemiah 2:1-6.
11 What may we pray for? The Bible explains: "No matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he [Jehovah] hears us." (1 John 5:14) So we may pray for anything that is in harmony with God’s will. Is it his will that we pray about personal concerns? By all means! Praying to Jehovah can be much like talking to a close friend. We may speak openly, ‘pouring out our heart’ to God. (Psalm 62:8) It is proper for us to ask for holy spirit, for it will help us to do what is right. (Luke 11:13) We can also ask for guidance in making wise decisions and for strength in coping with difficulties. (James 1:5) When we sin, we should ask for forgiveness on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice. (Ephesians 1:3, 7) Of course, personal matters should not be the only subjects of our prayers. We should broaden out our prayers to include other people-family members as well as fellow worshipers.-Acts 12:5; Colossians 4:12.
12 Matters relating to Jehovah God should be given first importance in our prayers. We certainly have reason to express heartfelt praise and thanks to him for all his goodness. (1 Chronicles 29:10-13) Jesus gave the model prayer, recorded at Matthew 6:9-13, in which he taught us to pray that God’s name be sanctified, that is, treated as sacred, or holy. That God’s Kingdom come and that his will be done on the earth as it is in heaven are mentioned next. Only after covering these important matters relating to Jehovah did Jesus give attention to personal concerns. When we likewise give God the most important place in our prayers, we show that we are interested in more than just our own welfare.
13 How long should our prayers be? The Bible does not place any limit on how long private or public prayers should be. They may range from a brief prayer before a meal to a long private prayer in which we pour out our heart to Jehovah. (1 Samuel 1:12, 15) However, Jesus condemned self-righteous individuals who made long, showy prayers before others. (Luke 20:46, 47) Such prayers do not impress Jehovah. What is important is that we pray from our heart. Hence, the length of acceptable prayers may vary according to needs and circumstances.
14 How often should we pray? The Bible encourages us to "pray continually," to "persevere in prayer," and to "pray incessantly." (Matthew 26:41; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) Of course, these statements do not mean that we must be praying to Jehovah every moment of the day. Rather, the Bible is urging us to pray regularly, continually thanking Jehovah for his goodness to us and looking to him for guidance, comfort, and strength. Is it not comforting to know that Jehovah puts no limit on how long or how often we can talk to him in prayer? If we truly appreciate the privilege of prayer, we will find many opportunities to pray to our heavenly Father.
15 Why should we say "Amen" at the end of a prayer? The word "amen" means "surely," or "so be it." Scriptural examples show that it is appropriate to say "Amen" at the close of personal and public prayers. (1 Chronicles 16:36; Psalm 41:13) By saying "Amen" at the end of our own prayer, we affirm that our expressions were made with sincerity. When we say "Amen"-either silently or out loud-at the end of someone’s public prayer, we indicate that we are in agreement with the thoughts that were expressed.-1 Corinthians 14:16.
HOW GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS
16 Does Jehovah really answer prayers? Yes, indeed! We have a firm basis to be confident that the "Hearer of prayer" answers sincere prayers offered by millions of humans. (Psalm 65:2) Jehovah’s answer to our prayers may come in a variety of ways.
17 Jehovah uses his angels and his earthly servants to answer prayers. (Hebrews 1:13, 14) There have been many experiences of individuals who prayed to God for help to understand the Bible and were soon thereafter contacted by one of Jehovah’s servants. Such experiences give evidence of angelic direction of the Kingdom-preaching work. (Revelation 14:6) To answer our prayers offered in a time of real need, Jehovah may motivate a Christian to come to our aid.-Proverbs 12:25; James 2:16.
18 Jehovah God also uses his holy spirit and his Word, the Bible, to answer the prayers of his servants. He may answer our prayers for help to cope with trials by giving us guidance and strength by means of his holy spirit. (2 Corinthians 4:7) Often the answer to our prayers for direction comes from the Bible, where Jehovah gives us help in making wise decisions. Helpful scriptures may be found during our personal Bible study and as we read Christian publications, such as this book. Scriptural points that we need to consider may be brought to our attention by what is said at a Christian meeting or through the comments of a concerned elder in the congregation.-Galatians 6:1.
19 If Jehovah seems to delay in answering our prayers, this is never because he is not able to answer them. Rather, we must remember that Jehovah answers prayers according to his will and in his due time. He knows our needs and how to care for them far better than we do. Often he allows us to ‘keep on asking, seeking, and knocking.’ (Luke 11:5-10) Such perseverance shows God that our desire is very deep and that our faith is genuine. Furthermore, Jehovah may answer our prayers in a way that is not obvious to us. For example, he may answer our prayer regarding a particular trial, not by removing the difficulty, but by giving us the strength to endure it.-Philippians 4:13.
20 How thankful we can be that the Creator of this vast universe is close to all who call upon him properly in prayer! (Psalm 145:18) May we take full advantage of the precious privilege of prayer. If we do, we will have the joyous prospect of drawing ever closer to Jehovah, the Hearer of prayer.
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
? Regularly praying to Jehovah helps us to draw closer to him.-James 4:8.
? For our prayers to be heard by God, we must pray in faith and with humility and sincerity.-Mark 11:24.
? We must pray only to Jehovah through his Son.-Matthew 6:9; John 14:6.
? Jehovah, the "Hearer of prayer," uses his angels, his earthly servants, his holy spirit, and his Word to answer prayers.-Psalm 65:2.
[Study Questions]
1, 2. Why should we view prayer as a great privilege, and why do we need to know what the Bible teaches about it?
3. What is one important reason why we should pray to Jehovah?
4. How does regular prayer to Jehovah strengthen our relationship with him?
5. What shows that Jehovah does not listen to all prayers?
6. In order for God to listen to our prayers, what is a primary requirement, and how can we meet it?
7. (a) Why should we be respectful when speaking to Jehovah in prayer? (b) When praying to God, how can we show humility and sincerity?
8. How can we act in harmony with what we pray for?
9. To whom should we pray, and through whom?
10. Why is no specific position or posture required when we pray?
11. What are some personal concerns that are proper subjects of prayer?
12. How may we give matters concerning our heavenly Father first importance in our prayers?
13. What do the Scriptures indicate about the length of acceptable prayers?
14. What does the Bible mean when it encourages us to "pray continually," and what is comforting about this?
15. Why should we say "Amen" at the end of personal and public prayers?
16. What confidence can we have regarding prayer?
17. Why can it be said that God uses his angels and his earthly servants to answer our prayers?
18. How does Jehovah use his holy spirit and his Word to answer the prayers of his servants?
19. What should we keep in mind if our prayers sometimes seem to go unanswered?
20. Why should we take full advantage of the precious privilege of prayer?
[Pictures on page 165]
"The Maker of heaven and earth" is willing to hear our prayers
[Pictures on page 171]
Your prayer can be heard on any occasion
[Picture on page 172, 173]
In response to our prayers, Jehovah can motivate a Christian to come to our aid
Why should we pray to God?
What must we do to be heard by God?
How does God answer our prayers?
COMPARED with the vast universe, the earth is very small. In fact, to Jehovah, "the Maker of heaven and earth," the nations of mankind are like a tiny drop of water from a bucket. (Psalm 115:15; Isaiah 40:15) Yet, the Bible says: "Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness. The desire of those fearing him he will perform, and their cry for help he will hear." (Psalm 145:18, 19) Just think of what that means! The almighty Creator is near to us and will hear us if we "call upon him in trueness." What a privilege we have to approach God in prayer!
2 If we want Jehovah to listen to our prayers, however, we must pray to him in the way that he approves. How can we do this unless we understand what the Bible teaches about prayer? It is vital for us to know what the Scriptures say on this subject, for prayer helps us to draw closer to Jehovah.
WHY PRAY TO JEHOVAH?
3 One important reason why we should pray to Jehovah is that he invites us to do so. His Word encourages us: "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7) Surely we would not want to ignore such a kind provision made for us by the Supreme Ruler of the universe!
4 Another reason to pray is that regularly praying to Jehovah is a way to strengthen our relationship with him. True friends do not communicate only when they need something. Rather, good friends are interested in each other, and their friendship becomes stronger as they freely express their thoughts, concerns, and feelings. In some respects, the situation is similar when it comes to our relationship with Jehovah God. With the help of this book, you have learned much about what the Bible teaches regarding Jehovah, his personality, and his purposes. You have come to know him as a real person. Prayer gives you the opportunity to express your thoughts and innermost feelings to your heavenly Father. As you do, you draw closer to Jehovah.-James 4:8.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST WE MEET?
5 Does Jehovah listen to all prayers? Consider what he told rebellious Israelites in the days of the prophet Isaiah: "Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled." (Isaiah 1:15) So certain actions can cause God not to listen to our prayers. For our prayers to be favorably heard by God, therefore, we must meet some basic requirements.
6 A primary requirement is that we exercise faith. (Mark 11:24) The apostle Paul wrote: "Without faith it is impossible to please [God] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) Having true faith is more than merely knowing that God exists and that he hears and answers prayers. Faith is proved by our actions. We must give clear evidence that we have faith by the way we live every day.-James 2:26.
7 Jehovah also requires that those who approach him in prayer do so with humility and sincerity. Do we not have reason to be humble when speaking to Jehovah? When people have the opportunity to speak to a king or a president, they usually do so respectfully, acknowledging the ruler’s high position. How much more so should we be respectful when approaching Jehovah! (Psalm 138:6) After all, he is "God Almighty." (Genesis 17:1) When we pray to God, the manner in which we approach him should show that we humbly recognize our position before him. Such humility will also move us to pray from our heart in sincerity, avoiding routine, repetitive prayers.-Matthew 6:7, 8.
8 Another requirement for being heard by God is that we act in harmony with our prayers. Jehovah expects us to do all that is within our power to work at what we pray for. For example, if we pray, "Give us today our bread for this day," we must work hard at whatever available job we are able to perform. (Matthew 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) If we pray for help in overcoming a fleshly weakness, we must be careful to avoid circumstances and situations that could lead us into temptation. (Colossians 3:5) In addition to these basic requirements, there are questions about prayer that we need to have answered.
ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT PRAYER
9 To whom should we pray? Jesus taught his followers to pray to "our Father in the heavens." (Matthew 6:9) Our prayers, then, must be directed only to Jehovah God. However, Jehovah requires that we acknowledge the position of his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. As we learned in Chapter 5, Jesus was sent to the earth to serve as a ransom to redeem us from sin and death. (John 3:16; Romans 5:12) He is the appointed High Priest and Judge. (John 5:22; Hebrews 6:20) Hence, the Scriptures direct us to offer our prayers through Jesus. He himself said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) For our prayers to be heard, we must pray only to Jehovah through his Son.
10 Must we assume a special position or posture when praying? No. Jehovah does not require any specific position, either of the hands or of the whole body. The Bible teaches that it is acceptable to pray in a wide variety of positions. These include sitting, bowing, kneeling, and standing. (1 Chronicles 17:16; Nehemiah 8:6; Daniel 6:10; Mark 11:25) What is truly important is, not some special posture that can be seen by others, but the right heart attitude. In fact, during our daily activities or when we are faced with an emergency, we may offer a silent prayer wherever we are. Jehovah hears such prayers even though they may go completely unnoticed by those around us.-Nehemiah 2:1-6.
11 What may we pray for? The Bible explains: "No matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he [Jehovah] hears us." (1 John 5:14) So we may pray for anything that is in harmony with God’s will. Is it his will that we pray about personal concerns? By all means! Praying to Jehovah can be much like talking to a close friend. We may speak openly, ‘pouring out our heart’ to God. (Psalm 62:8) It is proper for us to ask for holy spirit, for it will help us to do what is right. (Luke 11:13) We can also ask for guidance in making wise decisions and for strength in coping with difficulties. (James 1:5) When we sin, we should ask for forgiveness on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice. (Ephesians 1:3, 7) Of course, personal matters should not be the only subjects of our prayers. We should broaden out our prayers to include other people-family members as well as fellow worshipers.-Acts 12:5; Colossians 4:12.
12 Matters relating to Jehovah God should be given first importance in our prayers. We certainly have reason to express heartfelt praise and thanks to him for all his goodness. (1 Chronicles 29:10-13) Jesus gave the model prayer, recorded at Matthew 6:9-13, in which he taught us to pray that God’s name be sanctified, that is, treated as sacred, or holy. That God’s Kingdom come and that his will be done on the earth as it is in heaven are mentioned next. Only after covering these important matters relating to Jehovah did Jesus give attention to personal concerns. When we likewise give God the most important place in our prayers, we show that we are interested in more than just our own welfare.
13 How long should our prayers be? The Bible does not place any limit on how long private or public prayers should be. They may range from a brief prayer before a meal to a long private prayer in which we pour out our heart to Jehovah. (1 Samuel 1:12, 15) However, Jesus condemned self-righteous individuals who made long, showy prayers before others. (Luke 20:46, 47) Such prayers do not impress Jehovah. What is important is that we pray from our heart. Hence, the length of acceptable prayers may vary according to needs and circumstances.
14 How often should we pray? The Bible encourages us to "pray continually," to "persevere in prayer," and to "pray incessantly." (Matthew 26:41; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) Of course, these statements do not mean that we must be praying to Jehovah every moment of the day. Rather, the Bible is urging us to pray regularly, continually thanking Jehovah for his goodness to us and looking to him for guidance, comfort, and strength. Is it not comforting to know that Jehovah puts no limit on how long or how often we can talk to him in prayer? If we truly appreciate the privilege of prayer, we will find many opportunities to pray to our heavenly Father.
15 Why should we say "Amen" at the end of a prayer? The word "amen" means "surely," or "so be it." Scriptural examples show that it is appropriate to say "Amen" at the close of personal and public prayers. (1 Chronicles 16:36; Psalm 41:13) By saying "Amen" at the end of our own prayer, we affirm that our expressions were made with sincerity. When we say "Amen"-either silently or out loud-at the end of someone’s public prayer, we indicate that we are in agreement with the thoughts that were expressed.-1 Corinthians 14:16.
HOW GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS
16 Does Jehovah really answer prayers? Yes, indeed! We have a firm basis to be confident that the "Hearer of prayer" answers sincere prayers offered by millions of humans. (Psalm 65:2) Jehovah’s answer to our prayers may come in a variety of ways.
17 Jehovah uses his angels and his earthly servants to answer prayers. (Hebrews 1:13, 14) There have been many experiences of individuals who prayed to God for help to understand the Bible and were soon thereafter contacted by one of Jehovah’s servants. Such experiences give evidence of angelic direction of the Kingdom-preaching work. (Revelation 14:6) To answer our prayers offered in a time of real need, Jehovah may motivate a Christian to come to our aid.-Proverbs 12:25; James 2:16.
18 Jehovah God also uses his holy spirit and his Word, the Bible, to answer the prayers of his servants. He may answer our prayers for help to cope with trials by giving us guidance and strength by means of his holy spirit. (2 Corinthians 4:7) Often the answer to our prayers for direction comes from the Bible, where Jehovah gives us help in making wise decisions. Helpful scriptures may be found during our personal Bible study and as we read Christian publications, such as this book. Scriptural points that we need to consider may be brought to our attention by what is said at a Christian meeting or through the comments of a concerned elder in the congregation.-Galatians 6:1.
19 If Jehovah seems to delay in answering our prayers, this is never because he is not able to answer them. Rather, we must remember that Jehovah answers prayers according to his will and in his due time. He knows our needs and how to care for them far better than we do. Often he allows us to ‘keep on asking, seeking, and knocking.’ (Luke 11:5-10) Such perseverance shows God that our desire is very deep and that our faith is genuine. Furthermore, Jehovah may answer our prayers in a way that is not obvious to us. For example, he may answer our prayer regarding a particular trial, not by removing the difficulty, but by giving us the strength to endure it.-Philippians 4:13.
20 How thankful we can be that the Creator of this vast universe is close to all who call upon him properly in prayer! (Psalm 145:18) May we take full advantage of the precious privilege of prayer. If we do, we will have the joyous prospect of drawing ever closer to Jehovah, the Hearer of prayer.
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
? Regularly praying to Jehovah helps us to draw closer to him.-James 4:8.
? For our prayers to be heard by God, we must pray in faith and with humility and sincerity.-Mark 11:24.
? We must pray only to Jehovah through his Son.-Matthew 6:9; John 14:6.
? Jehovah, the "Hearer of prayer," uses his angels, his earthly servants, his holy spirit, and his Word to answer prayers.-Psalm 65:2.
[Study Questions]
1, 2. Why should we view prayer as a great privilege, and why do we need to know what the Bible teaches about it?
3. What is one important reason why we should pray to Jehovah?
4. How does regular prayer to Jehovah strengthen our relationship with him?
5. What shows that Jehovah does not listen to all prayers?
6. In order for God to listen to our prayers, what is a primary requirement, and how can we meet it?
7. (a) Why should we be respectful when speaking to Jehovah in prayer? (b) When praying to God, how can we show humility and sincerity?
8. How can we act in harmony with what we pray for?
9. To whom should we pray, and through whom?
10. Why is no specific position or posture required when we pray?
11. What are some personal concerns that are proper subjects of prayer?
12. How may we give matters concerning our heavenly Father first importance in our prayers?
13. What do the Scriptures indicate about the length of acceptable prayers?
14. What does the Bible mean when it encourages us to "pray continually," and what is comforting about this?
15. Why should we say "Amen" at the end of personal and public prayers?
16. What confidence can we have regarding prayer?
17. Why can it be said that God uses his angels and his earthly servants to answer our prayers?
18. How does Jehovah use his holy spirit and his Word to answer the prayers of his servants?
19. What should we keep in mind if our prayers sometimes seem to go unanswered?
20. Why should we take full advantage of the precious privilege of prayer?
[Pictures on page 165]
"The Maker of heaven and earth" is willing to hear our prayers
[Pictures on page 171]
Your prayer can be heard on any occasion
[Picture on page 172, 173]
In response to our prayers, Jehovah can motivate a Christian to come to our aid
Worship the God approves
Worship That God Approves
Are all religions pleasing to God?
How can we identify the true religion?
Who are God’s true worshipers on earth today?
JEHOVAH GOD deeply cares for us and wants us to benefit from his loving direction. If we worship him in the right way, we will be happy and will avoid many problems in life. We will also have his blessing and his help. (Isaiah 48:17) There are, however, hundreds of religions that claim to teach the truth about God. Yet, they differ greatly in their teachings about who God is and what he expects of us.
2 How can you know the right way to worship Jehovah? You do not have to study and compare the teachings of all the many religions. You need only learn what the Bible really teaches about true worship. To illustrate: In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit. Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false.
3 It is important that we worship Jehovah in the way that he approves. Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that. It is not even enough just to claim to be a Christian. Jesus said: "Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will." To have God’s approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it. Jesus called those who do not do God’s will "workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23) Like counterfeit money, false religion has no real value. Even worse, such religion is actually harmful.
4 Jehovah gives everyone on earth the opportunity to gain everlasting life. To have eternal life in Paradise, however, we must worship God properly and live now in a way that is acceptable to him. Sadly, many refuse to do so. That is why Jesus said: "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." (Matthew 7:13, 14) True religion leads to everlasting life. False religion leads to destruction. Jehovah does not want any human to be destroyed, and that is why he is giving people everywhere an opportunity to learn about him. (2 Peter 3:9) Really, then, the way we worship God means either life or death for us.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TRUE RELIGION
5 How can ‘the road to life’ be found? Jesus said that the true religion would be evident in the lives of the people who practice it. "By their fruits you will recognize them," he said. "Every good tree produces fine fruit." (Matthew 7:16, 17) In other words, those who practice the true religion would be recognized by their beliefs and their conduct. Although they are not perfect and they make mistakes, true worshipers as a group seek to do God’s will. Let us consider six features that identify those who practice true religion.
6 God’s servants base their teachings on the Bible. The Bible itself says: "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man [or woman] of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) To his fellow Christians, the apostle Paul wrote: "When you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Hence, beliefs and practices of the true religion are not based on human views or tradition. They originate in God’s inspired Word, the Bible.
7 Jesus Christ set the proper example by basing his teachings on God’s Word. In prayer to his heavenly Father, he said: "Your word is truth." (John 17:17) Jesus believed the Word of God, and everything he taught harmonized with the Scriptures. Jesus often said: "It is written." (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) Then Jesus would quote a scripture. Similarly, God’s people today do not teach their own ideas. They believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and they base their teachings firmly on what it says.
8 Those who practice the true religion worship only Jehovah and make his name known. Jesus declared: "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service." (Matthew 4:10) Thus, God’s servants worship no one other than Jehovah. This worship includes letting people know what the name of the true God is and what he is like. Psalm 83:18 states: "You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth." Jesus set the pattern in helping others to get to know God, as he said in prayer: "I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world." (John 17:6) Similarly, true worshipers today teach others about God’s name, his purposes, and his qualities.
9 God’s people show genuine, unselfish love for one another. Jesus said: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) The early Christians had such love for one another. Godly love overcomes racial, social, and national barriers and draws people together in an unbreakable bond of true brotherhood. (Colossians 3:14) Members of false religions do not have such a loving brotherhood. How do we know that? They kill one another because of national or ethnic differences. True Christians do not take up weapons to kill their Christian brothers or anyone else. The Bible states: "The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother. . . . We should have love for one another; not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother."-1 John 3:10-12; 4:20, 21.
10 Of course, genuine love means more than not killing others. True Christians unselfishly use their time, energy, and resources to help and encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) They help one another in times of distress, and they deal honestly with others. In fact, they apply in their lives the Bible counsel to "work what is good toward all."-Galatians 6:10.
11 True Christians accept Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. The Bible says: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved." (Acts 4:12) As we saw in Chapter 5, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for obedient humans. (Matthew 20:28) In addition, Jesus is God’s appointed King in the heavenly Kingdom that will rule the entire earth. And God requires that we obey Jesus and apply his teachings if we want everlasting life. That is why the Bible states: "He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life."-John 3:36.
12 True worshipers are no part of the world. When on trial before the Roman ruler Pilate, Jesus said: "My kingdom is no part of this world." (John 18:36) No matter what country they live in, Jesus’ true followers are subjects of his heavenly Kingdom and thus maintain strict neutrality in the world’s political affairs. They take no part in its conflicts. However, Jehovah’s worshipers do not interfere with what others choose to do about joining a political party, running for office, or voting. And while God’s true worshipers are neutral regarding politics, they are law-abiding. Why? Because God’s Word commands them to "be in subjection" to the governmental "superior authorities." (Romans 13:1) Where there is a conflict between what God requires and what a political system requires, true worshipers follow the example of the apostles, who said: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men."-Acts 5:29; Mark 12:17.
13 Jesus’ true followers preach that God’s Kingdom is mankind’s only hope. Jesus foretold: "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) Instead of encouraging people to look to human rulers to solve their problems, true followers of Jesus Christ proclaim God’s heavenly Kingdom as the only hope for mankind. (Psalm 146:3) Jesus taught us to pray for that perfect government when he said: "Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." (Matthew 6:10) God’s Word foretold that this heavenly Kingdom "will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms [now existing], and it itself will stand to times indefinite."-Daniel 2:44.
14 On the basis of what we have just considered, ask yourself: ‘What religious group bases all its teachings on the Bible and makes known Jehovah’s name? What group practices godly love, exercises faith in Jesus, is no part of the world, and proclaims that God’s Kingdom is the only real hope for mankind? Of all the religious groups on earth, which one meets all these requirements?’ The facts clearly show that it is Jehovah’s Witnesses.-Isaiah 43:10-12.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
15 Simply believing in God is not enough to please him. After all, the Bible says that even the demons believe that God exists. (James 2:19) Obviously, though, they do not do God’s will and do not have his approval. To be approved by God, not only must we believe in his existence but we must also do his will. We must also break free from false religion and embrace true worship.
16 The apostle Paul showed that we must not take part in false worship. He wrote: "‘Get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’; ‘and I will take you in.’" (2 Corinthians 6:17; Isaiah 52:11) True Christians therefore avoid anything that is connected with false worship.
17 The Bible shows that all the many forms of false religion are part of "Babylon the Great." (Revelation 17:5) That name calls to mind the ancient city of Babylon, where false religion started up after the Flood of Noah’s day. Many teachings and practices now common in false religion originated long ago in Babylon. For example, the Babylonians worshiped trinities, or triads, of gods. Today, the central doctrine of many religions is the Trinity. But the Bible clearly teaches that there is only one true God, Jehovah, and that Jesus Christ is his Son. (John 17:3) The Babylonians also believed that humans have an immortal soul that survives the body after death and can suffer in a place of torment. Today, belief in the immortal soul or spirit that can suffer in hellfire is taught by most religions.
18 Since ancient Babylonian worship spread throughout the earth, modern Babylon the Great can properly be identified as the world empire of false religion. And God has foretold that this empire of false religion will come to a sudden end. (Revelation 18:8) Do you see why it is vital that you separate yourself from every part of Babylon the Great? Jehovah God wants you to "get out of her" quickly while there is still time.-Revelation 18:4.
19 As a result of your decision to quit practicing false religion, some may choose to stop associating with you. By serving Jehovah with his people, however, you will gain far more than you could ever lose. Like Jesus’ early disciples who left other things to follow him, you will come to have many spiritual brothers and sisters. You will become part of a large worldwide family of millions of true Christians, who show you genuine love. And you will have the wonderful hope of everlasting life "in the coming system of things." (Mark 10:28-30) Perhaps in time, those who abandoned you because of your beliefs will look into what the Bible teaches and become worshipers of Jehovah.
20 The Bible teaches that God will soon bring an end to this wicked system of things and will replace it with a righteous new world under the rulership of his Kingdom. (2 Peter 3:9, 13) What a marvelous world that will be! And in that righteous new system, there will be only one religion, one true form of worship. Is it not the course of wisdom for you to take the necessary steps to come into association with true worshipers right now?
[Footnote]
For more information about why Babylon the Great represents the world empire of false religion, see the Appendix, pages 219-20.
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
? There is only one true religion.-Matthew 7:13, 14.
? True religion is identified by its teachings and practices.-Matthew 7:16, 17.
? Jehovah’s Witnesses practice the worship that God approves.-Isaiah 43:10.
[Study Questions]
1. How will we benefit if we worship God in the right way?
2. How can we learn the right way to worship Jehovah, and what illustration helps us to understand this?
3. According to Jesus, what must we do if we want to have God’s approval?
4. What do Jesus’ words concerning the two roads mean, and where does each road lead?
5. How can we recognize those who practice the true religion?
6, 7. How do God’s servants view the Bible, and how did Jesus set the example in this regard?
8. What is involved in worshiping Jehovah?
9, 10. In what ways do true Christians show love for one another?
11. Why is it important to accept Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation?
12. What does being no part of the world involve?
13. How do Jesus’ true followers view God’s Kingdom, and therefore, what action do they take?
14. What religious group do you believe meets the requirements for true worship?
15. What does God require in addition to believing that he exists?
16. What should be done about taking part in false religion?
17, 18. What is "Babylon the Great," and why is it urgent to "get out of her"?
19. What will you gain by serving Jehovah?
20. What does the future hold for those who practice the true religion?
[Box/Picture on page 147]
THOSE WHO WORSHIP THE TRUE GOD
? base their teachings on the Bible
? worship only Jehovah and make his name known
? show genuine love for one another
? accept Jesus as God’s means of salvation
? are no part of the world
? preach God’s Kingdom as man’s only hope
[Picture on page 150]
By serving Jehovah with his people, you will gain far more than you could ever lose
Are all religions pleasing to God?
How can we identify the true religion?
Who are God’s true worshipers on earth today?
JEHOVAH GOD deeply cares for us and wants us to benefit from his loving direction. If we worship him in the right way, we will be happy and will avoid many problems in life. We will also have his blessing and his help. (Isaiah 48:17) There are, however, hundreds of religions that claim to teach the truth about God. Yet, they differ greatly in their teachings about who God is and what he expects of us.
2 How can you know the right way to worship Jehovah? You do not have to study and compare the teachings of all the many religions. You need only learn what the Bible really teaches about true worship. To illustrate: In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit. Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false.
3 It is important that we worship Jehovah in the way that he approves. Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that. It is not even enough just to claim to be a Christian. Jesus said: "Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will." To have God’s approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it. Jesus called those who do not do God’s will "workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23) Like counterfeit money, false religion has no real value. Even worse, such religion is actually harmful.
4 Jehovah gives everyone on earth the opportunity to gain everlasting life. To have eternal life in Paradise, however, we must worship God properly and live now in a way that is acceptable to him. Sadly, many refuse to do so. That is why Jesus said: "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." (Matthew 7:13, 14) True religion leads to everlasting life. False religion leads to destruction. Jehovah does not want any human to be destroyed, and that is why he is giving people everywhere an opportunity to learn about him. (2 Peter 3:9) Really, then, the way we worship God means either life or death for us.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TRUE RELIGION
5 How can ‘the road to life’ be found? Jesus said that the true religion would be evident in the lives of the people who practice it. "By their fruits you will recognize them," he said. "Every good tree produces fine fruit." (Matthew 7:16, 17) In other words, those who practice the true religion would be recognized by their beliefs and their conduct. Although they are not perfect and they make mistakes, true worshipers as a group seek to do God’s will. Let us consider six features that identify those who practice true religion.
6 God’s servants base their teachings on the Bible. The Bible itself says: "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man [or woman] of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) To his fellow Christians, the apostle Paul wrote: "When you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Hence, beliefs and practices of the true religion are not based on human views or tradition. They originate in God’s inspired Word, the Bible.
7 Jesus Christ set the proper example by basing his teachings on God’s Word. In prayer to his heavenly Father, he said: "Your word is truth." (John 17:17) Jesus believed the Word of God, and everything he taught harmonized with the Scriptures. Jesus often said: "It is written." (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) Then Jesus would quote a scripture. Similarly, God’s people today do not teach their own ideas. They believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and they base their teachings firmly on what it says.
8 Those who practice the true religion worship only Jehovah and make his name known. Jesus declared: "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service." (Matthew 4:10) Thus, God’s servants worship no one other than Jehovah. This worship includes letting people know what the name of the true God is and what he is like. Psalm 83:18 states: "You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth." Jesus set the pattern in helping others to get to know God, as he said in prayer: "I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world." (John 17:6) Similarly, true worshipers today teach others about God’s name, his purposes, and his qualities.
9 God’s people show genuine, unselfish love for one another. Jesus said: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) The early Christians had such love for one another. Godly love overcomes racial, social, and national barriers and draws people together in an unbreakable bond of true brotherhood. (Colossians 3:14) Members of false religions do not have such a loving brotherhood. How do we know that? They kill one another because of national or ethnic differences. True Christians do not take up weapons to kill their Christian brothers or anyone else. The Bible states: "The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother. . . . We should have love for one another; not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother."-1 John 3:10-12; 4:20, 21.
10 Of course, genuine love means more than not killing others. True Christians unselfishly use their time, energy, and resources to help and encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) They help one another in times of distress, and they deal honestly with others. In fact, they apply in their lives the Bible counsel to "work what is good toward all."-Galatians 6:10.
11 True Christians accept Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation. The Bible says: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved." (Acts 4:12) As we saw in Chapter 5, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for obedient humans. (Matthew 20:28) In addition, Jesus is God’s appointed King in the heavenly Kingdom that will rule the entire earth. And God requires that we obey Jesus and apply his teachings if we want everlasting life. That is why the Bible states: "He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life."-John 3:36.
12 True worshipers are no part of the world. When on trial before the Roman ruler Pilate, Jesus said: "My kingdom is no part of this world." (John 18:36) No matter what country they live in, Jesus’ true followers are subjects of his heavenly Kingdom and thus maintain strict neutrality in the world’s political affairs. They take no part in its conflicts. However, Jehovah’s worshipers do not interfere with what others choose to do about joining a political party, running for office, or voting. And while God’s true worshipers are neutral regarding politics, they are law-abiding. Why? Because God’s Word commands them to "be in subjection" to the governmental "superior authorities." (Romans 13:1) Where there is a conflict between what God requires and what a political system requires, true worshipers follow the example of the apostles, who said: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men."-Acts 5:29; Mark 12:17.
13 Jesus’ true followers preach that God’s Kingdom is mankind’s only hope. Jesus foretold: "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) Instead of encouraging people to look to human rulers to solve their problems, true followers of Jesus Christ proclaim God’s heavenly Kingdom as the only hope for mankind. (Psalm 146:3) Jesus taught us to pray for that perfect government when he said: "Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." (Matthew 6:10) God’s Word foretold that this heavenly Kingdom "will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms [now existing], and it itself will stand to times indefinite."-Daniel 2:44.
14 On the basis of what we have just considered, ask yourself: ‘What religious group bases all its teachings on the Bible and makes known Jehovah’s name? What group practices godly love, exercises faith in Jesus, is no part of the world, and proclaims that God’s Kingdom is the only real hope for mankind? Of all the religious groups on earth, which one meets all these requirements?’ The facts clearly show that it is Jehovah’s Witnesses.-Isaiah 43:10-12.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
15 Simply believing in God is not enough to please him. After all, the Bible says that even the demons believe that God exists. (James 2:19) Obviously, though, they do not do God’s will and do not have his approval. To be approved by God, not only must we believe in his existence but we must also do his will. We must also break free from false religion and embrace true worship.
16 The apostle Paul showed that we must not take part in false worship. He wrote: "‘Get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’; ‘and I will take you in.’" (2 Corinthians 6:17; Isaiah 52:11) True Christians therefore avoid anything that is connected with false worship.
17 The Bible shows that all the many forms of false religion are part of "Babylon the Great." (Revelation 17:5) That name calls to mind the ancient city of Babylon, where false religion started up after the Flood of Noah’s day. Many teachings and practices now common in false religion originated long ago in Babylon. For example, the Babylonians worshiped trinities, or triads, of gods. Today, the central doctrine of many religions is the Trinity. But the Bible clearly teaches that there is only one true God, Jehovah, and that Jesus Christ is his Son. (John 17:3) The Babylonians also believed that humans have an immortal soul that survives the body after death and can suffer in a place of torment. Today, belief in the immortal soul or spirit that can suffer in hellfire is taught by most religions.
18 Since ancient Babylonian worship spread throughout the earth, modern Babylon the Great can properly be identified as the world empire of false religion. And God has foretold that this empire of false religion will come to a sudden end. (Revelation 18:8) Do you see why it is vital that you separate yourself from every part of Babylon the Great? Jehovah God wants you to "get out of her" quickly while there is still time.-Revelation 18:4.
19 As a result of your decision to quit practicing false religion, some may choose to stop associating with you. By serving Jehovah with his people, however, you will gain far more than you could ever lose. Like Jesus’ early disciples who left other things to follow him, you will come to have many spiritual brothers and sisters. You will become part of a large worldwide family of millions of true Christians, who show you genuine love. And you will have the wonderful hope of everlasting life "in the coming system of things." (Mark 10:28-30) Perhaps in time, those who abandoned you because of your beliefs will look into what the Bible teaches and become worshipers of Jehovah.
20 The Bible teaches that God will soon bring an end to this wicked system of things and will replace it with a righteous new world under the rulership of his Kingdom. (2 Peter 3:9, 13) What a marvelous world that will be! And in that righteous new system, there will be only one religion, one true form of worship. Is it not the course of wisdom for you to take the necessary steps to come into association with true worshipers right now?
[Footnote]
For more information about why Babylon the Great represents the world empire of false religion, see the Appendix, pages 219-20.
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
? There is only one true religion.-Matthew 7:13, 14.
? True religion is identified by its teachings and practices.-Matthew 7:16, 17.
? Jehovah’s Witnesses practice the worship that God approves.-Isaiah 43:10.
[Study Questions]
1. How will we benefit if we worship God in the right way?
2. How can we learn the right way to worship Jehovah, and what illustration helps us to understand this?
3. According to Jesus, what must we do if we want to have God’s approval?
4. What do Jesus’ words concerning the two roads mean, and where does each road lead?
5. How can we recognize those who practice the true religion?
6, 7. How do God’s servants view the Bible, and how did Jesus set the example in this regard?
8. What is involved in worshiping Jehovah?
9, 10. In what ways do true Christians show love for one another?
11. Why is it important to accept Jesus Christ as God’s means of salvation?
12. What does being no part of the world involve?
13. How do Jesus’ true followers view God’s Kingdom, and therefore, what action do they take?
14. What religious group do you believe meets the requirements for true worship?
15. What does God require in addition to believing that he exists?
16. What should be done about taking part in false religion?
17, 18. What is "Babylon the Great," and why is it urgent to "get out of her"?
19. What will you gain by serving Jehovah?
20. What does the future hold for those who practice the true religion?
[Box/Picture on page 147]
THOSE WHO WORSHIP THE TRUE GOD
? base their teachings on the Bible
? worship only Jehovah and make his name known
? show genuine love for one another
? accept Jesus as God’s means of salvation
? are no part of the world
? preach God’s Kingdom as man’s only hope
[Picture on page 150]
By serving Jehovah with his people, you will gain far more than you could ever lose
Who is the symbolic Babylon the Great in Revelation
Identifying "Babylon the Great"
THE book of Revelation contains expressions that are not to be understood literally. (Revelation 1:1) For example, it mentions a woman with the name "Babylon the Great" written on her forehead. This woman is said to be sitting on "crowds and nations." (Revelation 17:1, 5, 15) Since no literal woman could do this, Babylon the Great must be symbolic. So, what does this symbolic harlot represent?
At Revelation 17:18, the same figurative woman is described as "the great city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth." The term "city" indicates an organized group of people. Since this "great city" has control over "the kings of the earth," the woman named Babylon the Great must be an influential organization that is international in scope. It can rightly be called a world empire. What kind of empire? A religious one. Notice how some related passages in the book of Revelation lead us to this conclusion.
An empire can be political, commercial, or religious. The woman named Babylon the Great is not a political empire because God’s Word states that "the kings of the earth," or the political elements of this world, "committed fornication" with her. Her fornication refers to the alliances she has made with the rulers of this earth and explains why she is called "the great harlot."-Revelation 17:1, 2; James 4:4.
Babylon the Great cannot be a commercial empire because the "merchants of the earth," representing the commercial elements, will be mourning her at the time of her destruction. In fact, both kings and merchants are described as looking at Babylon the Great from "a distance." (Revelation 18:3, 9, 10, 15-17) Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that Babylon the Great is, not a political or a commercial empire, but a religious one.
The religious identity of Babylon the Great is further confirmed by the statement that she misleads all the nations by means of her "spiritistic practice." (Revelation 18:23) Since all forms of spiritism are demon-inspired, it is not surprising that the Bible calls Babylon the Great "a dwelling place of demons." (Revelation 18:2; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) This empire is also described as being actively opposed to true religion, persecuting "prophets" and "holy ones." (Revelation 18:24) In fact, Babylon the Great has such deep hatred for true religion that she violently persecutes and even murders "the witnesses of Jesus." (Revelation 17:6) Hence, this woman named Babylon the Great clearly represents the world empire of false religion, which includes all religions that stand in opposition to Jehovah God.
THE book of Revelation contains expressions that are not to be understood literally. (Revelation 1:1) For example, it mentions a woman with the name "Babylon the Great" written on her forehead. This woman is said to be sitting on "crowds and nations." (Revelation 17:1, 5, 15) Since no literal woman could do this, Babylon the Great must be symbolic. So, what does this symbolic harlot represent?
At Revelation 17:18, the same figurative woman is described as "the great city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth." The term "city" indicates an organized group of people. Since this "great city" has control over "the kings of the earth," the woman named Babylon the Great must be an influential organization that is international in scope. It can rightly be called a world empire. What kind of empire? A religious one. Notice how some related passages in the book of Revelation lead us to this conclusion.
An empire can be political, commercial, or religious. The woman named Babylon the Great is not a political empire because God’s Word states that "the kings of the earth," or the political elements of this world, "committed fornication" with her. Her fornication refers to the alliances she has made with the rulers of this earth and explains why she is called "the great harlot."-Revelation 17:1, 2; James 4:4.
Babylon the Great cannot be a commercial empire because the "merchants of the earth," representing the commercial elements, will be mourning her at the time of her destruction. In fact, both kings and merchants are described as looking at Babylon the Great from "a distance." (Revelation 18:3, 9, 10, 15-17) Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that Babylon the Great is, not a political or a commercial empire, but a religious one.
The religious identity of Babylon the Great is further confirmed by the statement that she misleads all the nations by means of her "spiritistic practice." (Revelation 18:23) Since all forms of spiritism are demon-inspired, it is not surprising that the Bible calls Babylon the Great "a dwelling place of demons." (Revelation 18:2; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) This empire is also described as being actively opposed to true religion, persecuting "prophets" and "holy ones." (Revelation 18:24) In fact, Babylon the Great has such deep hatred for true religion that she violently persecutes and even murders "the witnesses of Jesus." (Revelation 17:6) Hence, this woman named Babylon the Great clearly represents the world empire of false religion, which includes all religions that stand in opposition to Jehovah God.
Jesus Christ - The Promised Messiah
Jesus Christ-The Promised Messiah
TO HELP us identify the Messiah, Jehovah God inspired many Bible prophets to provide details about the birth, the ministry, and the death of this promised Deliverer. All these Bible prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They are amazingly accurate and detailed. To illustrate this, let us consider a few prophecies that foretold events related to the Messiah’s birth and childhood.
The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. (Isaiah 9:7) Jesus was indeed born in David’s line.-Matthew 1:1, 6-17.
Micah, another prophet of God, foretold that this child would eventually become a ruler and that he would be born in "Bethlehem Ephrathah." (Micah 5:2) At the time of Jesus’ birth, there were two towns in Israel that were named Bethlehem. One was situated near Nazareth in the northern region of the country, and the other, near Jerusalem in Judah. Bethlehem near Jerusalem was formerly called Ephrathah. Jesus was born in that town, exactly as the prophecy foretold!-Matthew 2:1.
Another Bible prophecy foretold that the Son of God would be called "out of Egypt." The child Jesus was taken into Egypt. He was brought back after the death of Herod, thus fulfilling the prophecy.-Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15.
In the chart on page 200, the scriptures listed under the heading "Prophecy" contain details concerning the Messiah. Please compare these with the scriptures listed under the heading "Fulfillment." Doing so will further strengthen your faith in the truthfulness of God’s Word.
While you examine these scriptures, keep in mind that those of a prophetic nature were written down hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth. Jesus stated: "All the things written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms about me must be fulfilled." (Luke 24:44) As you can verify in your own copy of the Bible, fulfilled they were-in every detail!
[Chart on page 200]
PROPHECIES REGARDING THE MESSIAH
EVENT PROPHECY FULFILLMENT
Born of the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:23-33
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25
Descended from King David Isaiah 9:7 Matthew 1:1, 6-17
Declared by Jehovah to be
his Son Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17
Not believed in
Isaiah 53:1 John 12:37, 38
Entered Jerusalem riding an ass Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:1-9
Betrayed by a close associate Psalm 41:9 John 13:18, 21-30
Betrayed for 30 silver pieces Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:14-16
Silent before his accusers Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:11-14
Lots cast for his garments Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35
Reviled while on the stake Psalm 22:7, 8 Matthew 27:39-43
None of his bones broken Psalm 34:20 John 19:33, 36
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
Raised before corruption Psalm 16:10 Acts 2:24, 27
Exalted to God’s right hand Psalm 110:1 Acts 7:56
TO HELP us identify the Messiah, Jehovah God inspired many Bible prophets to provide details about the birth, the ministry, and the death of this promised Deliverer. All these Bible prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They are amazingly accurate and detailed. To illustrate this, let us consider a few prophecies that foretold events related to the Messiah’s birth and childhood.
The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. (Isaiah 9:7) Jesus was indeed born in David’s line.-Matthew 1:1, 6-17.
Micah, another prophet of God, foretold that this child would eventually become a ruler and that he would be born in "Bethlehem Ephrathah." (Micah 5:2) At the time of Jesus’ birth, there were two towns in Israel that were named Bethlehem. One was situated near Nazareth in the northern region of the country, and the other, near Jerusalem in Judah. Bethlehem near Jerusalem was formerly called Ephrathah. Jesus was born in that town, exactly as the prophecy foretold!-Matthew 2:1.
Another Bible prophecy foretold that the Son of God would be called "out of Egypt." The child Jesus was taken into Egypt. He was brought back after the death of Herod, thus fulfilling the prophecy.-Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15.
In the chart on page 200, the scriptures listed under the heading "Prophecy" contain details concerning the Messiah. Please compare these with the scriptures listed under the heading "Fulfillment." Doing so will further strengthen your faith in the truthfulness of God’s Word.
While you examine these scriptures, keep in mind that those of a prophetic nature were written down hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth. Jesus stated: "All the things written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms about me must be fulfilled." (Luke 24:44) As you can verify in your own copy of the Bible, fulfilled they were-in every detail!
[Chart on page 200]
PROPHECIES REGARDING THE MESSIAH
EVENT PROPHECY FULFILLMENT
Born of the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:23-33
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-25
Descended from King David Isaiah 9:7 Matthew 1:1, 6-17
Declared by Jehovah to be
his Son Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17
Not believed in
Isaiah 53:1 John 12:37, 38
Entered Jerusalem riding an ass Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:1-9
Betrayed by a close associate Psalm 41:9 John 13:18, 21-30
Betrayed for 30 silver pieces Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:14-16
Silent before his accusers Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:11-14
Lots cast for his garments Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35
Reviled while on the stake Psalm 22:7, 8 Matthew 27:39-43
None of his bones broken Psalm 34:20 John 19:33, 36
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
Raised before corruption Psalm 16:10 Acts 2:24, 27
Exalted to God’s right hand Psalm 110:1 Acts 7:56
The Messiah
How Daniel’s Prophecy Foretells the Messiah’s Arrival
THE prophet Daniel lived more than 500 years before the birth of Jesus. Nevertheless, Jehovah revealed to Daniel information that would make it possible to pinpoint the time when Jesus would be anointed, or appointed, as the Messiah, or Christ. Daniel was told: "You should know and have the insight that from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks."-Daniel 9:25.
To determine the time of the Messiah’s arrival, first we need to learn the starting point of the period leading to the Messiah. According to the prophecy, it is "from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem." When did this "going forth of the word" take place? According to the Bible writer Nehemiah, the word went forth to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem "in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king." (Nehemiah 2:1, 5-8) Historians confirm that the year 474 B.C.E. was Artaxerxes’ first full year as ruler. Therefore, the 20th year of his rule was 455 B.C.E. Now we have the starting point for Daniel’s Messianic prophecy, that is, 455 B.C.E.
Daniel indicates how long the time period leading to the arrival of "Messiah the Leader" would last. The prophecy mentions "seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks"-a total of 69 weeks. How long is this period of time? Several Bible translations note that these are, not weeks of seven days, but weeks of years. That is, each week represents seven years. This concept of weeks of years, or seven-year units, was familiar to Jews of ancient times. For instance, they observed a Sabbath year every seventh year. (Exodus 23:10, 11) Therefore, the prophetic 69 weeks amount to 69 units of 7 years each, or a total of 483 years.
Now all we must do is count. If we count from 455 B.C.E., 483 years takes us to the year 29 C.E. That was exactly the year when Jesus was baptized and became the Messiah! (Luke 3:1, 2, 21, 22) Is that not a remarkable fulfillment of Bible prophecy?
[Footnote]
From 455 B.C.E. to 1 B.C.E. is 454 years. From 1 B.C.E. to 1 C.E. is one year (there was no zero year). And from 1 C.E. to 29 C.E. is 28 years. Adding these three figures gives us the total of 483 years. Jesus was "cut off" in death in 33 C.E., during the 70th week of years. (Daniel 9:24, 26) See Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! chapter 11, and Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 899-901. Both are published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Diagram/Pictures on page 198]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
"SEVENTY WEEKS"
490 years
7 weeks 62 weeks 1 week
(49 years) (434 years) (7 years)
455 406 ? B.C.E. C.E. ? 29 33 36
"The word to Jerusalem Messiah Messiah End of the
restore . . . rebuilt arrives "cut off" "seventy
Jerusalem" weeks"
THE prophet Daniel lived more than 500 years before the birth of Jesus. Nevertheless, Jehovah revealed to Daniel information that would make it possible to pinpoint the time when Jesus would be anointed, or appointed, as the Messiah, or Christ. Daniel was told: "You should know and have the insight that from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks."-Daniel 9:25.
To determine the time of the Messiah’s arrival, first we need to learn the starting point of the period leading to the Messiah. According to the prophecy, it is "from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem." When did this "going forth of the word" take place? According to the Bible writer Nehemiah, the word went forth to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem "in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king." (Nehemiah 2:1, 5-8) Historians confirm that the year 474 B.C.E. was Artaxerxes’ first full year as ruler. Therefore, the 20th year of his rule was 455 B.C.E. Now we have the starting point for Daniel’s Messianic prophecy, that is, 455 B.C.E.
Daniel indicates how long the time period leading to the arrival of "Messiah the Leader" would last. The prophecy mentions "seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks"-a total of 69 weeks. How long is this period of time? Several Bible translations note that these are, not weeks of seven days, but weeks of years. That is, each week represents seven years. This concept of weeks of years, or seven-year units, was familiar to Jews of ancient times. For instance, they observed a Sabbath year every seventh year. (Exodus 23:10, 11) Therefore, the prophetic 69 weeks amount to 69 units of 7 years each, or a total of 483 years.
Now all we must do is count. If we count from 455 B.C.E., 483 years takes us to the year 29 C.E. That was exactly the year when Jesus was baptized and became the Messiah! (Luke 3:1, 2, 21, 22) Is that not a remarkable fulfillment of Bible prophecy?
[Footnote]
From 455 B.C.E. to 1 B.C.E. is 454 years. From 1 B.C.E. to 1 C.E. is one year (there was no zero year). And from 1 C.E. to 29 C.E. is 28 years. Adding these three figures gives us the total of 483 years. Jesus was "cut off" in death in 33 C.E., during the 70th week of years. (Daniel 9:24, 26) See Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! chapter 11, and Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 899-901. Both are published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Diagram/Pictures on page 198]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
"SEVENTY WEEKS"
490 years
7 weeks 62 weeks 1 week
(49 years) (434 years) (7 years)
455 406 ? B.C.E. C.E. ? 29 33 36
"The word to Jerusalem Messiah Messiah End of the
restore . . . rebuilt arrives "cut off" "seventy
Jerusalem" weeks"
Soul and Spirit -What do they mean?
"Soul" and "Spirit"-What Do These Terms Really Mean?
WHEN you hear the terms "soul" and "spirit," what comes to your mind? Many believe that these words mean something invisible and immortal that exists inside us. They think that at death this invisible part of a human leaves the body and lives on. Since this belief is so widespread, many are surprised to learn that it is not at all what the Bible teaches. What, then, is the soul, and what is the spirit, according to God’s Word?
"SOUL" AS USED IN THE BIBLE
First, consider the soul. You may remember that the Bible was originally written mainly in Hebrew and Greek. When writing about the soul, the Bible writers used the Hebrew word ne´phesh or the Greek word psy·khe´. These two words occur well over 800 times in the Scriptures, and the New World Translation consistently renders them "soul." When you examine the way "soul" or "souls" is used in the Bible, it becomes evident that this word basically refers to (1) people, (2) animals, or (3) the life that a person or an animal enjoys. Let us consider some scriptures that present these three different senses.
People. "In Noah’s days . . . a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water." (1 Peter 3:20) Here the word "souls" clearly stands for people-Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives. Exodus 16:16 mentions instructions given to the Israelites regarding the gathering of manna. They were told: "Pick up some of it . . . according to the number of the souls that each of you has in his tent." So the amount of manna that was gathered was based upon the number of people in each family. Some other Biblical examples of the application of "soul" or "souls" to a person or to people are found at Genesis 46:18; Joshua 11:11; Acts 27:37; and Romans 13:1.
Animals. In the Bible’s creation account, we read: "God went on to say: ‘Let the waters swarm forth a swarm of living souls and let flying creatures fly over the earth upon the face of the expanse of the heavens.’ And God went on to say: ‘Let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds, domestic animal and moving animal and wild beast of the earth according to its kind.’ And it came to be so." (Genesis 1:20, 24) In this passage, fish, domestic animals, and wild beasts are all referred to by the same word-"souls." Birds and other animals are called souls at Genesis 9:10; Leviticus 11:46; and Numbers 31:28.
Life as a person. Sometimes the word "soul" means one’s life as a person. Jehovah told Moses: "All the men who were hunting for your soul are dead." (Exodus 4:19) What were Moses’ enemies hunting for? They were seeking to take Moses’ life. Earlier, while Rachel was giving birth to her son Benjamin, "her soul was going out (because she died)." (Genesis 35:16-19) At that moment, Rachel lost her life. Consider also Jesus’ words: "I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his soul in behalf of the sheep." (John 10:11) Jesus gave his soul, or life, in behalf of mankind. In these Bible passages, the word "soul" clearly refers to life as a person. You will find more examples of this sense of "soul" at 1 Kings 17:17-23; Matthew 10:39; John 15:13; and Acts 20:10.
A further study of God’s Word will show you that nowhere in the entire Bible are the terms "immortal" or "everlasting" linked with the word "soul." Instead, the Scriptures state that a soul is mortal, meaning that it dies. (Ezekiel 18:4, 20) Therefore, the Bible calls someone who has died simply a "dead soul."-Leviticus 21:11.
THE "SPIRIT" IDENTIFIED
Let us now consider the Bible’s use of the term "spirit." Some people think that "spirit" is just another word for "soul." However, that is not the case. The Bible makes clear that "spirit" and "soul" refer to two different things. How do they differ?
Bible writers used the Hebrew word ru´ach or the Greek word pneu´ma when writing about the "spirit." The Scriptures themselves indicate the meaning of those words. For instance, Psalm 104:29 states: "If you [Jehovah] take away their spirit [ru´ach], they expire, and back to their dust they go." And James 2:26 notes that "the body without spirit [pneu´ma] is dead." In these verses, then, "spirit" refers to that which gives life to a body. Without spirit, the body is dead. Therefore, in the Bible the word ru´ach is translated not only as "spirit" but also as "force," or life-force. For example, concerning the Flood in Noah’s day, God said: "I am bringing the deluge of waters upon the earth to bring to ruin all flesh in which the force [ru´ach] of life is active from under the heavens." (Genesis 6:17; 7:15, 22) "Spirit" thus refers to an invisible force (the spark of life) that animates all living creatures.
The soul and the spirit are not the same. The body needs the spirit in much the same way as a radio needs electricity-in order to function. To illustrate this further, think of a portable radio. When you put batteries in a portable radio and turn it on, the electricity stored in the batteries brings the radio to life, so to speak. Without batteries, however, the radio is dead. So is another kind of radio when it is unplugged from an electric outlet. Similarly, the spirit is the force that brings our body to life. Also, like electricity, the spirit has no feeling and cannot think. It is an impersonal force. But without that spirit, or life-force, our bodies "expire, and back to their dust they go," as the psalmist stated.
Speaking about man’s death, Ecclesiastes 12:7 states: "The dust [of his body] returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the true God who gave it." When the spirit, or life-force, leaves the body, the body dies and returns to where it came from-the earth. Comparably, the life-force returns to where it came from-God. (Job 34:14, 15; Psalm 36:9) This does not mean that the life-force actually travels to heaven. Rather, it means that for someone who dies, any hope of future life rests with Jehovah God. His life is in God’s hands, so to speak. Only by God’s power can the spirit, or life-force, be given back so that a person may live again.
How comforting it is to know that this is exactly what God will do for all of those resting in "the memorial tombs"! (John 5:28, 29) At the time of the resurrection, Jehovah will form a new body for a person sleeping in death and bring it to life by putting spirit, or life-force, in it. What a joyful day that will be!
If you would like to learn more about the terms "soul" and "spirit" as used in the Bible, you will find valuable information in the brochure What Happens to Us When We Die? and on pages 375-84 of the book Reasoning From the Scriptures, both published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
WHEN you hear the terms "soul" and "spirit," what comes to your mind? Many believe that these words mean something invisible and immortal that exists inside us. They think that at death this invisible part of a human leaves the body and lives on. Since this belief is so widespread, many are surprised to learn that it is not at all what the Bible teaches. What, then, is the soul, and what is the spirit, according to God’s Word?
"SOUL" AS USED IN THE BIBLE
First, consider the soul. You may remember that the Bible was originally written mainly in Hebrew and Greek. When writing about the soul, the Bible writers used the Hebrew word ne´phesh or the Greek word psy·khe´. These two words occur well over 800 times in the Scriptures, and the New World Translation consistently renders them "soul." When you examine the way "soul" or "souls" is used in the Bible, it becomes evident that this word basically refers to (1) people, (2) animals, or (3) the life that a person or an animal enjoys. Let us consider some scriptures that present these three different senses.
People. "In Noah’s days . . . a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water." (1 Peter 3:20) Here the word "souls" clearly stands for people-Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives. Exodus 16:16 mentions instructions given to the Israelites regarding the gathering of manna. They were told: "Pick up some of it . . . according to the number of the souls that each of you has in his tent." So the amount of manna that was gathered was based upon the number of people in each family. Some other Biblical examples of the application of "soul" or "souls" to a person or to people are found at Genesis 46:18; Joshua 11:11; Acts 27:37; and Romans 13:1.
Animals. In the Bible’s creation account, we read: "God went on to say: ‘Let the waters swarm forth a swarm of living souls and let flying creatures fly over the earth upon the face of the expanse of the heavens.’ And God went on to say: ‘Let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds, domestic animal and moving animal and wild beast of the earth according to its kind.’ And it came to be so." (Genesis 1:20, 24) In this passage, fish, domestic animals, and wild beasts are all referred to by the same word-"souls." Birds and other animals are called souls at Genesis 9:10; Leviticus 11:46; and Numbers 31:28.
Life as a person. Sometimes the word "soul" means one’s life as a person. Jehovah told Moses: "All the men who were hunting for your soul are dead." (Exodus 4:19) What were Moses’ enemies hunting for? They were seeking to take Moses’ life. Earlier, while Rachel was giving birth to her son Benjamin, "her soul was going out (because she died)." (Genesis 35:16-19) At that moment, Rachel lost her life. Consider also Jesus’ words: "I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his soul in behalf of the sheep." (John 10:11) Jesus gave his soul, or life, in behalf of mankind. In these Bible passages, the word "soul" clearly refers to life as a person. You will find more examples of this sense of "soul" at 1 Kings 17:17-23; Matthew 10:39; John 15:13; and Acts 20:10.
A further study of God’s Word will show you that nowhere in the entire Bible are the terms "immortal" or "everlasting" linked with the word "soul." Instead, the Scriptures state that a soul is mortal, meaning that it dies. (Ezekiel 18:4, 20) Therefore, the Bible calls someone who has died simply a "dead soul."-Leviticus 21:11.
THE "SPIRIT" IDENTIFIED
Let us now consider the Bible’s use of the term "spirit." Some people think that "spirit" is just another word for "soul." However, that is not the case. The Bible makes clear that "spirit" and "soul" refer to two different things. How do they differ?
Bible writers used the Hebrew word ru´ach or the Greek word pneu´ma when writing about the "spirit." The Scriptures themselves indicate the meaning of those words. For instance, Psalm 104:29 states: "If you [Jehovah] take away their spirit [ru´ach], they expire, and back to their dust they go." And James 2:26 notes that "the body without spirit [pneu´ma] is dead." In these verses, then, "spirit" refers to that which gives life to a body. Without spirit, the body is dead. Therefore, in the Bible the word ru´ach is translated not only as "spirit" but also as "force," or life-force. For example, concerning the Flood in Noah’s day, God said: "I am bringing the deluge of waters upon the earth to bring to ruin all flesh in which the force [ru´ach] of life is active from under the heavens." (Genesis 6:17; 7:15, 22) "Spirit" thus refers to an invisible force (the spark of life) that animates all living creatures.
The soul and the spirit are not the same. The body needs the spirit in much the same way as a radio needs electricity-in order to function. To illustrate this further, think of a portable radio. When you put batteries in a portable radio and turn it on, the electricity stored in the batteries brings the radio to life, so to speak. Without batteries, however, the radio is dead. So is another kind of radio when it is unplugged from an electric outlet. Similarly, the spirit is the force that brings our body to life. Also, like electricity, the spirit has no feeling and cannot think. It is an impersonal force. But without that spirit, or life-force, our bodies "expire, and back to their dust they go," as the psalmist stated.
Speaking about man’s death, Ecclesiastes 12:7 states: "The dust [of his body] returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the true God who gave it." When the spirit, or life-force, leaves the body, the body dies and returns to where it came from-the earth. Comparably, the life-force returns to where it came from-God. (Job 34:14, 15; Psalm 36:9) This does not mean that the life-force actually travels to heaven. Rather, it means that for someone who dies, any hope of future life rests with Jehovah God. His life is in God’s hands, so to speak. Only by God’s power can the spirit, or life-force, be given back so that a person may live again.
How comforting it is to know that this is exactly what God will do for all of those resting in "the memorial tombs"! (John 5:28, 29) At the time of the resurrection, Jehovah will form a new body for a person sleeping in death and bring it to life by putting spirit, or life-force, in it. What a joyful day that will be!
If you would like to learn more about the terms "soul" and "spirit" as used in the Bible, you will find valuable information in the brochure What Happens to Us When We Die? and on pages 375-84 of the book Reasoning From the Scriptures, both published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Bible - God's Word
Chapter Two
The Bible—A Book From God
In what ways is the Bible different from any other book?
How can the Bible help you cope with personal problems?
Why can you trust the prophecies recorded in the Bible?
CAN you recall a time when you received a fine gift from a dear friend? Likely, the experience was not only exciting but also heartwarming. After all, a gift tells you something about the giver—that he or she values your friendship. No doubt you expressed gratitude for your friend’s thoughtful gift.
2 The Bible is a gift from God, one for which we can be truly grateful. This unique book reveals things that we could never find out otherwise. For example, it tells us about the creation of the starry heavens, the earth, and the first man and woman. The Bible contains reliable principles to help us cope with life’s problems and anxieties. It explains how God will fulfill his purpose and bring about better conditions on the earth. What an exciting gift the Bible is!
3 The Bible is also a heartwarming gift, for it reveals something about the Giver, Jehovah God. The fact that he has provided such a book is proof that he wants us to get to know him well. Indeed, the Bible can help you to draw close to Jehovah.
4 If you have a copy of the Bible, you are far from alone. In whole or in part, the Bible has been published in more than 2,300 languages and thus is available to more than 90 percent of the world’s population. On the average, more than a million Bibles are distributed each week! Billions of copies of either the whole Bible or part of it have been produced. Surely, there is no other book like the Bible.
5 Furthermore, the Bible "is inspired of God." (2 Timothy 3:16) In what way? The Bible itself answers: "Men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit." (2 Peter 1:21) To illustrate: A businessman might have a secretary write a letter. That letter contains the businessman’s thoughts and instructions. Hence, it is really his letter, not the secretary’s. In a similar way, the Bible contains God’s message, not that of the men who wrote it down. Thus, the entire Bible truthfully is "the word of God."—1 Thessalonians 2:13.
HARMONIOUS AND ACCURATE
6 The Bible was written over a 1,600-year period. Its writers lived at different times and came from many walks of life. Some were farmers, fishermen, and shepherds. Others were prophets, judges, and kings. The Gospel writer Luke was a doctor. Despite the varied backgrounds of its writers, the Bible is harmonious from beginning to end.
7 The first book of the Bible tells us how mankind’s problems began. The last book shows that the whole earth will become a paradise, or garden. All the material in the Bible covers thousands of years of history and relates in some way to the unfolding of God’s purpose. The harmony of the Bible is impressive, but that is what we would expect of a book from God.
8 The Bible is scientifically accurate. It even contains information that was far ahead of its time. For example, the book of Leviticus contained laws for ancient Israel on quarantine and hygiene when surrounding nations knew nothing about such matters. At a time when there were wrong ideas about the shape of the earth, the Bible referred to it as a circle, or sphere. (Isaiah 40:22) The Bible accurately said that the earth ‘hangs on nothing.’ (Job 26:7) Of course, the Bible is not a science textbook. But when it touches on scientific matters, it is accurate. Is this not what we would expect of a book from God?
9 The Bible is also historically accurate and reliable. Its accounts are specific. They include not only the names but also the ancestry of individuals. In contrast to secular historians, who often do not mention the defeats of their own people, Bible writers were honest, even recording their own failings and those of their nation. In the Bible book of Numbers, for instance, the writer Moses admits his own serious error for which he was severely reproved. (Numbers 20:2-12) Such honesty is rare in other historical accounts but is found in the Bible because it is a book from God.
A BOOK OF PRACTICAL WISDOM
10 Because the Bible is inspired of God, it is "beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight." (2 Timothy 3:16) Yes, the Bible is a practical book. It reflects a keen understanding of human nature. No wonder, for its Author, Jehovah God, is the Creator! He understands our thinking and emotions better than we do. Furthermore, Jehovah knows what we need in order to be happy. He also knows what pathways we should avoid.
11 Consider Jesus’ speech called the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew chapters 5 to 7. In this masterpiece of teaching, Jesus spoke on a number of topics, including the way to find true happiness, how to settle disputes, how to pray, and how to have the proper view of material things. Jesus’ words are just as powerful and practical today as they were when he spoke them.
12 Some Bible principles deal with family life, work habits, and relationships with others. The Bible’s principles apply to all people, and its counsel is always beneficial. The wisdom found in the Bible is summarized by God’s words through the prophet Isaiah: "I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself."—Isaiah 48:17.
A BOOK OF PROPHECY
13 The Bible contains numerous prophecies, many of which have already been fulfilled. Consider an example. Through the prophet Isaiah, who lived in the eighth century B.C.E., Jehovah foretold that the city of Babylon would be destroyed. (Isaiah 13:19; 14:22, 23) Details were given to show just how this would happen. Invading armies would dry up Babylon’s river and march into the city without a battle. That is not all. Isaiah’s prophecy even named the king who would conquer Babylon—Cyrus.—Isaiah 44:27–45:2.
14 Some 200 years later—on the night of October 5/6, 539 B.C.E.—an army encamped near Babylon. Who was its commander? A Persian king named Cyrus. The stage was thus set for the fulfillment of an amazing prophecy. But would the army of Cyrus invade Babylon without a battle, as foretold?
15 The Babylonians were holding a festival that night and felt secure behind their massive city walls. Meanwhile, Cyrus cleverly diverted the water of the river that flowed through the city. Soon the water was shallow enough for his men to cross the riverbed and approach the walls of the city. But how would Cyrus’ army get past Babylon’s walls? For some reason, on that night the doors to the city were carelessly left open!
16 Regarding Babylon, it was foretold: "She will never be inhabited, nor will she reside for generation after generation. And there the Arab will not pitch his tent, and no shepherds will let their flocks lie down there." (Isaiah 13:20) This prophecy did more than predict a city’s fall. It showed that Babylon would be desolated permanently. You can see evidence of the fulfillment of these words. The uninhabited site of ancient Babylon—about 50 miles [80 km] south of Baghdad, Iraq—is proof that what Jehovah spoke through Isaiah has been fulfilled: "I will sweep her with the broom of annihilation."—Isaiah 14:22, 23.
17 Considering how the Bible is a book of reliable prophecy is faith strengthening, is it not? After all, if Jehovah God has fulfilled his past promises, we have every reason to be confident that he will also fulfill his promise of a paradise earth. (Numbers 23:19) Indeed, we have "hope of the everlasting life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times long lasting."—Titus 1:2.
"THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE"
18 From what we have considered in this chapter, it is clear that the Bible is truly a unique book. Yet, its value extends far beyond its internal harmony, scientific and historical accuracy, practical wisdom, and reliable prophecy. The Christian apostle Paul wrote: "The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart."—Hebrews 4:12.
19 Reading God’s "word," or message, in the Bible can change our life. It can help us to examine ourselves as never before. We may claim to love God, but how we react to what his inspired Word, the Bible, teaches will reveal our true thoughts, even the very intentions of the heart.
20 The Bible truly is a book from God. It is a book that is to be read, studied, and loved. Show your gratitude for this divine gift by continuing to peer into its contents. As you do so, you will gain a deep appreciation of God’s purpose for mankind. Just what that purpose is and how it will be realized will be discussed in the following chapter.
[Footnotes]
Although some people say that certain parts of the Bible contradict other parts of it, such claims are unfounded. See chapter 7 of the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
For example, note the detailed ancestral line of Jesus set out at Luke 3:23-38.
For more information on Bible prophecy, see pages 27-9 of the brochure A Book for All People, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The destruction of Babylon is just one example of fulfilled Bible prophecy. Other examples include the destruction of Tyre and Nineveh. (Ezekiel 26:1-5; Zephaniah 2:13-15) Also, Daniel’s prophecy foretold a succession of world empires that would come into power after Babylon. These included Medo-Persia and Greece. (Daniel 8:5-7, 20-22) See the Appendix, pages 199-201, for a discussion of the many Messianic prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
▪ The Bible is inspired of God and thus is accurate and reliable.—2 Timothy 3:16.
▪ The information found in God’s Word is practical for everyday life.—Isaiah 48:17.
▪ God’s promises found in the Bible are certain to be fulfilled.—Numbers 23:19.
[Study Questions]
1, 2. In what ways is the Bible an exciting gift from God?
3. What does the provision of the Bible tell us about Jehovah, and why is this heartwarming?
4. What impresses you about the distribution of the Bible?
5. In what way is the Bible "inspired of God"?
6, 7. Why is the harmony of the material in the Bible particularly noteworthy?
8. Give examples showing that the Bible is scientifically accurate.
9. (a) In what ways does the Bible show itself to be historically accurate and reliable? (b) What does the honesty of its writers tell you about the Bible?
10. Why is it not surprising that the Bible is a practical book?
11, 12. (a) What topics did Jesus discuss in his Sermon on the Mount? (b) What other practical matters are considered in the Bible, and why is its counsel timeless?
13. What details did Jehovah inspire the prophet Isaiah to record regarding Babylon?
14, 15. How were some details of Isaiah’s prophecy about Babylon fulfilled?
16. (a) What did Isaiah foretell about the final outcome of Babylon? (b) How was Isaiah’s prophecy about Babylon’s desolation fulfilled?
17. How is the fulfillment of Bible prophecy faith strengthening?
18. What powerful statement does the Christian apostle Paul make about "the word of God"?
19, 20. (a) How can the Bible help you to examine yourself? (b) How can you show your gratitude for God’s unique gift, the Bible?
[Pictures on page 19]
The "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures" is available in many languages
[Pictures on page 22]
The Bible writer Isaiah foretold the fall of Babylon
[Picture on page 24, 25]
Ruins of Babylon
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