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NEWS RELEASES The Aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut
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YOUNG PEOPLE ASK How Can I Manage My Time?
YOUNG PEOPLE ASKHow Can I Manage My Time?
Five tips can help you to avoid wasting your valuable time. -
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NEWS RELEASES Florence Devastates Southeastern United States
NEWS RELEASESFlorence Devastates Southeastern United States
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WAS IT DESIGNED? The Pilot Whale’s Self-Cleaning Skin
WAS IT DESIGNED?The Pilot Whale’s Self-Cleaning Skin
Why are shipping companies interested in its unique abilities? -
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Digging for Spiritual Gems: John 7-8 (Week September 24-30)
Download pdf format to John 7-8 references here
Joh 7:8-10—Did Jesus lie to his unbelieving fleshly brothers? (w07 2/1 6 ¶4)
What example did Jesus Christ set in this regard? On one occasion, Jesus was conversing with some unbelievers who showed interest in his travel plans. “Pass on over from here and go into Judea,” they advised him. What was Jesus’ reply? “You go up to the festival [in Jerusalem]; I am not yet going up to this festival, because my due time has not yet fully come.” Shortly thereafter, Jesus did travel to Jerusalem for the festival. Why did he answer that way? They were not entitled to know the exact details of his whereabouts. So while Jesus did not utter an untruth, he gave them an incomplete answer in order to limit the possible harm they could do to him or to his followers. This was not a lie, for the apostle Peter wrote about Christ: “He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth.”—John 7:1-13; 1 Peter 2:22.Joh 8:58—What basis is there for rendering the last expression of this verse “I have been” instead of “I am,” and why is this important? (“I have been” study note on Joh 8:58, nwtsty)
I have been: The opposing Jews wanted to stone Jesus for claiming that he had “seen Abraham,” although, as they said, Jesus was “not yet 50 years old.” (Joh 8:57) Jesus’ response was to tell them about his prehuman existence as a mighty spirit creature in heaven before Abraham was born. Some claim that this verse identifies Jesus with God. They argue that the Greek expression used here, e·goʹ ei·miʹ (rendered “I am” in some Bibles), is an allusion to the Septuagint rendering of Ex 3:14 and that both verses should be rendered the same way. (See study note on Joh 4:26.) In this context, however, the action expressed by the Greek verb ei·miʹ started “before Abraham came into existence” and was still in progress. It is therefore properly translated “I have been” rather than “I am,” and a number of ancient and modern translations use wording similar to “I have been.” In fact, at Joh 14:9, the same form of the Greek verb ei·miʹ is used to render Jesus’ words: “Even after I have been with you men for such a long time, Philip, have you not come to know me?” Most translations use a similar wording, showing that depending on context there is no valid grammatical objection to rendering ei·miʹ as “have been.” (Other examples of rendering a present tense Greek verb using a present perfect tense verb are found at Lu 2:48; 13:7; 15:29; Joh 1:9; 5:6; 15:27; Ac 15:21; 2Co 12:19; 1Jo 3:8.) Also, Jesus’ reasoning recorded at Joh 8:54, 55 shows that he was not trying to portray himself as being the same person as his Father.What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?
*** wp18 No. 3 p. 10 Suffering—Is It Punishment From God? ***
Some may wonder, does God really use sickness to make people suffer for their sins?
CONSIDER: Why would Jesus heal people who were sick if sickness and suffering were deserved punishments from God? Would that not amount to undermining God’s justice and righteousness? (Matthew 4:23, 24) Jesus would never counteract God’s actions. He said: “I always do the things pleasing to him” and, “I am doing just as the Father has commanded me to do.”—John 8:29; 14:31.
The Bible is clear. Jehovah God “is never unjust.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) For example, God would never cause an airplane disaster, killing hundreds of innocent people, because he wanted to punish someone on board! In harmony with God’s righteousness, Abraham, a faithful servant of God, said that God would never “sweep away the righteous with the wicked.” That would be “unthinkable,” he said. (Genesis 18:23, 25) The Bible also says that “God does not act wickedly”; he does not “do wrong.”—Job 34:10-12.*** wp18 No. 3 p. 12 Who Is to Blame? ***
3. The Evil Ruler of the World. The Bible clearly identifies the primary cause of human suffering. It states: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) That “wicked one” is Satan the Devil, a powerful spirit creature who was originally an angel of God but “did not stand fast in the truth.” (John 8:44) Other spirit creatures joined Satan and rebelled against God in order to pursue selfish desires, thus making themselves demons. (Genesis 6:1-5) Ever since their rebellion, Satan and his demons have exerted a powerful and cruel influence over this world’s affairs. This has been particularly so in our time. Now, the Devil has great anger and “is misleading the entire inhabited earth,” which has resulted in “woe for the earth.” (Revelation 12:9, 12) Indeed, Satan is a brutal dictator. He gets perverse satisfaction from human suffering. It is Satan—not God—who causes people to suffer.
CONSIDER: Only a heartless, diabolical evildoer would cause innocent people to suffer. By contrast, the Bible says: “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) In harmony with his loving personality, “it is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!”—Job 34:10.*** w18 May pp. 18-19 par. 7 Why We “Keep Bearing Much Fruit” ***
7 As to the connection between obedience and love, Jesus earlier said to his apostles: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.” (John 14:21) Moreover, by carrying out Jesus’ command to go and preach, we too show our love for God because Jesus’ commandments reflect his Father’s thinking. (Matt. 17:5; John 8:28) In response to our expression of love, Jehovah and Jesus keep us in their love.*** w18 September p. 7 par. 18 “If You Know These Things, Happy You Are if You Do Them” ***
18 Doing what we know to be right brings rich blessings. No wonder Proverbs 4:7 says that “wisdom is the most important thing”! Although wisdom is based on knowledge, it particularly has to do with the decisions we make rather than just the facts we understand. Even ants reveal wisdom. Ants demonstrate instinctive wisdom by preparing their food in the summer. (Prov. 30:24, 25) Christ, “the wisdom of God,” always does the things pleasing to the Father. (1 Cor. 1:24; John 8:29) God knows the difference between making the right choice and acting on that choice. And he rewards those who demonstrate humility with endurance and who practice what they know to be true. (Read Matthew 7:21-23.) Therefore, work to preserve the spiritual environment in which genuine humility can flourish. Applying what we know to be true takes time and requires patience, but it is a mark of humility that leads to happiness now and forever.*** wp17 No. 2 p. 12 Escape From Slavery—Then and Now ***
“With Jehovah our God there is no injustice,” says the Bible, and it assures us that he has not changed. (2 Chronicles 19:7; Malachi 3:6) God sent Jesus to “proclaim liberty to the captives . . . , to send the crushed ones away free.” (Luke 4:18) Did this mean freedom for every literal slave? Apparently not. Jesus was sent to liberate people from bondage to sin and death. He later declared: “The truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Even today, the truth that Jesus taught liberates people in many ways.—See the box “Escape From a Different Kind of Slavery.”*** wp17 No. 6 p. 6 What Is the Best Gift of All? ***
The gift of God’s only-begotten Son—that would certainly be the greatest gift that any one of us could ever receive, for thereby we can be freed from the bondage to sin, old age, and death. (Psalm 51:5; John 8:34) Try as we may, on our own there is nothing we can do to be released from that bondage. However, in his great love, God provided what is needed to bring about that release. By giving his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as the ransom, Jehovah God gave obedient mankind the prospect of life everlasting. But what exactly is the ransom? Why is it necessary? And how can we benefit from it?*** w17 September p. 10 par. 9 Imitate Jehovah’s Compassion ***
9 We can learn a lesson from Jesus. He felt compassion for the crowds he met, for “they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” How did he react to their pitiful state? “He started to teach them many things.” (Matt. 9:36; read Mark 6:34.) His attitude was in stark contrast to that of the Pharisees, who had no desire to help the common people. (Matt. 12:9-14; 23:4; John 7:49) Do you not feel a yearning, similar to what Jesus had, to feed spiritually famished people?*** w15 4/15 pp. 19-20 par. 2 How Real Is Your Relationship With Jehovah? ***
2 How real to you is your personal relationship with Jehovah? Would you like to strengthen it? James 4:8 tells you how you can do that: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” Note that this is a two-way process. As we take steps to draw close to God, he takes reciprocating action toward us. This interaction, frequently repeated, progressively strengthens our relationship with Jehovah. As a result, that relationship becomes very real to us. We develop the kind of confidence Jesus had when he said: “The One who sent me is real, and . . . I know him.” (John 7:28, 29) Specifically, though, what steps can you take to draw closer to Jehovah?What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?
*** w18 February p. 21 par. 12 What Does It Mean to Be a Spiritual Person? ***
12 Yet, of all the people who have lived, who is the most outstanding example of a spiritual person? It is Jesus, of course. Throughout his life and ministry, he showed that he wanted to imitate his Father, Jehovah. He thought, felt, and acted like Jehovah and lived in harmony with God’s will and standards. (John 8:29; 14:9; 15:10) Note, for example, how Jehovah’s feelings of compassion are described by the prophet Isaiah, and compare that description with what the Gospel writer Mark reports about Jesus’ feelings. (Read Isaiah 63:9; Mark 6:34.) Are we like Jesus, ever ready to show compassionate concern when we meet people who need help? In addition, Jesus devoted himself to the work of preaching and teaching the good news. (Luke 4:43) All such feelings and actions are marks of a spiritual person.*** w18 April p. 7 pars. 14-15 The Way to True Freedom ***
14 In contrast, Jesus Christ pointed out a simple way to enjoy true freedom. He said: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31, 32) Jesus’ direction for gaining true freedom involves two requirements: First, accept the truth that he taught, and second, become his disciple. Doing so will lead to true freedom. But freedom from what? Jesus went on to explain: “Every doer of sin is a slave of sin. . . . If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.”—John 8:34, 36.
15 Clearly, the freedom that Jesus promised his disciples is far superior to the social or political freedom that most people yearn for today. When Jesus said: “If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free,” he was talking about liberation from the greatest bondage and oppression that humankind has ever experienced—being “a slave of sin.” Not only can sin lead us to doing what is bad but it can also prevent us from doing what we know is right or from living up to what we know we are capable of. In that sense we are slaves of sin, and the outcome is frustration, pain, suffering, and finally death. (Rom. 6:23) The apostle Paul felt this pain and agony deeply. (Read Romans 7:21-25.) It is only when the shackles of sin are thrown off that we can hope to have the true freedom that our first human parents once enjoyed.*** w18 May p. 28 par. 4 Young Ones—Stand Firm Against the Devil ***
4 Similarly, the truths we learn from God’s Word protect us from the spiritual harm that false teachings cause. (John 8:31, 32; 1 John 4:1) And the more we love divine truths, the easier it is to carry our “breastplate,” that is, to live by God’s righteous standards. (Ps. 111:7, 8; 1 John 5:3) In addition, when we have a clear understanding of the truths from God’s Word, we can confidently stand our ground and defend them against opposers.—1 Pet. 3:15.*** w18 June p. 9 par. 4 May We All Be One as Jehovah and Jesus Are One ***
4 Jesus himself was subjected to prejudice. When Philip told Nathanael that he had found the Messiah, Nathanael replied: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) Apparently, Nathanael knew of the prophecy at Micah 5:2 and considered Nazareth too insignificant to be the Messiah’s hometown. Similarly, prominent Judeans despised Jesus because he was a Galilean. (John 7:52) Many Judeans viewed the people of Galilee as inferior. Other Jews sought to insult Jesus by calling him a Samaritan. (John 8:48) The Samaritan people were ethnically and religiously distinct from the Jews. Both Judeans and Galileans had little respect for the Samaritans and avoided them.—John 4:9.*** w18 August pp. 8-9 par. 2 Do Not Judge by the Outward Appearance ***
2 Each day we make judgments about people. Yet, as imperfect humans, we are not able to judge matters perfectly as Jesus does. We tend to be influenced by what appears to our eyes. Nonetheless, when Jesus was on earth, he commanded: “Stop judging by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) Clearly, Jesus wants us to be like him and not judge others by their outward appearance. In this article, we will discuss three areas in which people are frequently influenced by what appears to their eyes: race or ethnicity, wealth, and age. In each area, we will consider practical ways to obey Jesus’ command.*** w17 January p. 25 par. 12 You Can Remain Modest Under Test ***
12 Modesty helps us always to dress, groom, and comport ourselves in a decent and respectable manner. We realize that we win people’s hearts, not by boasting or drawing undue attention to ourselves, but by displaying a “quiet and mild spirit.” (Read 1 Peter 3:3, 4; Jer. 9:23, 24) Vain sentiments in our hearts will eventually show up in our actions. We might drop hints, for example, implying that we enjoy special privileges, possess inside information, or have special relationships with responsible brothers. Or we might explain things in such a way that only we get the credit for ideas or accomplishments that others also contributed to. Again, Jesus set a wonderful example. A good portion of what he said was either a quotation from or an allusion to the Hebrew Scriptures. He modestly spoke that way so that his hearers would know that what he said was coming from Jehovah and was not the product of his own intellect or wisdom.—John 8:28.*** w17 July p. 28 Winning the Battle for Your Mind ***
Now if mere men can fool us with their propaganda, what might Satan be able to do? He has studied human behavior since man was created. “The whole world” now lies in his power. He can use any part of it to disseminate his lies. (1 John 5:19; John 8:44) So effective has Satan been in ‘blinding people’s minds’ that he now ‘misleads the entire inhabited earth.’ (2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9) How can you resist his propaganda?*** w16 September p. 29 par. 6 Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith ***
6 As a teacher, Jesus reached hearts because he loved Jehovah, God’s Word, and people. (Luke 24:32; John 7:46) Similar love will help parents reach the hearts of their children. (Read Deuteronomy 6:5-8; Luke 6:45.) So parents, be good students of the Bible and of our study aids. Take an interest in creation and in articles in our publications that discuss this topic. (Matt. 6:26, 28) Your doing so will broaden your knowledge, deepen your appreciation for Jehovah, and better equip you to teach your young ones.—Luke 6:40.*** w15 10/15 p. 32 “The Naive Person Believes Every Word” ***
Today it is possible to spread news—true or false, useful or worthless, harmless or dangerous—at an incredible speed. Anyone who sends an e-mail or a text to even one person has to realize that whether it was intended or not, the content could travel all over the world in a flash. May we therefore resist the urge to forward information quickly and indiscriminately. When we read sensational news items, remember that love is not unduly suspicious; nor is it naive or gullible. Above all, love refuses to believe malevolent insinuations about Jehovah’s organization or lies about our brothers that are circulated by people who are slaves to “the father of the lie,” Satan the Devil. (John 8:44; 1 Cor. 13:7) Thinking ability and discernment will help us become “shrewd” and consider how to handle responsibly the increasing amount of information available to us on a daily basis. As the Bible says, “the naive will inherit foolishness, but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.”—Prov. 14:18. -
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Demonstrate Christlike Humility and Modesty
Download pdf format to Demonstrate Christlike Humility and Modesty here
Even though Jesus was the greatest man who ever lived, he showed humility and modesty by glorifying Jehovah. (Joh 7:16-18) On the other hand, Satan became the Devil, which means “Slanderer.” (Joh 8:44) Satan’s attitude was manifested by the Pharisees, whose pride caused them to belittle anyone who showed faith in the Messiah. (Joh 7:45-49) How can we imitate Jesus when we receive privileges or responsibilities in the congregation?
WATCH THE VIDEO “HAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES”—AVOID JEALOUSY AND BRAGGING, PART 1, AND THEN DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
• How did Alex manifest pride?
Bill!
Carl! How are you?
Good! And how are you?
Good.
Great! Alex! I had not told you yet, but the other week you did a really good speech.
It’s true you’ve been good!
Oh! Thanks guys, it’s that I’ve been so busy, that I almost did not have time to get ready.
Do not talk to me, the whole congregation has had a lot to do in this period.
Yes it’s true.
Yes but I have been particularly busy.
Why what have you done? It’s not that you’re bad, right?
No, it’s not for this. And that there are all these theocratic commitments, pioneers, assignments in the congregation, and other things like this Saturday, I have to come to the Kingdom Hall and stay there all afternoon.
Saturday in the hall, and why?
Wait a minute, I’ve already understood everything. Do not you do the circuit assembly tests this Saturday?
Ah yes, you’re right, so you have to do something.
I’m not sure I can tell you.
You just did it! So what is it you have to do a demonstration, an interview, now You can not leave us like that.
Ok, it’s not just an interview, I have to do my experience too. After the experience, they ask me questions. I will be on the podium for almost the whole part. In short, guys, the part is me.
Are you the part? Are you sure you’re not a little exaggerating?
No, I do not think so. Ok, the part of brother Jones lasts 10 minutes, I stand on the podium for 6. This means more than half the part. However, now I will tell you what I will do. They will ask me to tell that fantastic experience I had. I knock at the door, I ring the bell, but what happens? Does not work! So I knock so loud that …WATCH THE VIDEO “HAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES”—AVOID JEALOUSY AND BRAGGING, PART 2, AND THEN DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
• In che modo Alex si è dimostrato umile?
Bill!
Carl! How are you?
Good! And how are you?
Good.
Great! Alex! I had not told you yet, but the other week you did a really good speech.
It’s true you’ve been good!
Thanks guys with Jehovah’s help, I did it. I was so busy that it was hard to find the time to get ready.
Do not talk to me or the whole congregation has had a lot to do during this time.
Yes indeed!• How did Alex manifest humility?
You know something. Are you doing the pioneers, are you? How is it going?
Very well. Yesterday I showed a person a video on jw.org. He said I can come back this Saturday. I think I could even start a study. Do you want to come with me Alex?
I’m sorry, but Saturday I’m busy almost all day. But maybe he can accompany you Bill.
What do you say, Bill?
Of course I have to do a visit too, we can go there together.
Perfect!
So Bill you found a nice visit too. Come on, tell me!
Yes, then I met a gentleman …WATCH THE VIDEO “HAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES”—REPUDIATE PRIDE AND INDECENCY, PART 1, AND THEN DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
• How did Brother Harris fail to demonstrate modesty?
Excuse Tom would you have a minute?
Sure Faye, how can I help you?
Well maybe you already know, David and I got engaged last Saturday.
Yes, I knew! Congratulations! I’m really happy for you.
Thank you, and since I grew up here we would love to be able to marry in this hall of the kingdom. So since you are the coordinator of the elderly body, could you let us know today if we can use the hall? So David and I can start preparing invitations. David sends you this official letter of request from the hall.
So let’s see a little bit. I have yes, the letter is fine, with this I have all the information I need. Faye I can not imagine another place where you could get married. You can definitely use this room. Now I tell the other elders that I have already given my approval, but to David you can already say that we can not wait for the big day to come.
Thanks so much Tom, I was sure you would help us.WATCH THE VIDEO “HAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVES”—REPUDIATE PRIDE AND INDECENCY, PART 2, AND THEN DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
• How did Brother Harris demonstrate modesty?
Excuse Tom would you have a minute?
Sure Faye, how can I help you?
Well maybe you already know, David and I got engaged last Saturday.
Yes, I knew! Congratulations! I’m really happy for you.
Thank you, and since I grew up here we would love to be able to marry in this hall of the kingdom. So since you are the coordinator of the elderly body, could you let us know today if we can use the hall? So David and I can start preparing invitations. David sends you this official letter of request from the hall.
Ok! Yes, the letter is fine, there is all the information we need. Now I meet the other elders so we talk and let you know as soon as possible.• What did Brother Harris’ example teach Faye?
Ah! Do you mean that you can not let me know immediately? I thought that since you are the coordinator I had the authority to … well …
Yes, I understood, but there is a theocratic disposition that we must all take into account also the elderly, and according to the provision the service committee must talk and evaluate the matter carefully before giving its approval. So you understand, I do not have the authority to make this decision alone.
Of course it seems right to me.
Do not worry Faye, we’ll take care of it as soon as possible, so you can proceed with the wedding preparations.
Thank you so much Tom, I appreciate it very much.
Is a real pleasure. -
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Digging for Spiritual Gems: John 5-6 (Week September 17-23)
John 5-6
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)
Joh 6:44—How does the Father draw people to himself? (“draws him” study note on Joh 6:44, nwtsty)
draws him: Although the Greek verb for “draw” is used in reference to hauling in a net of fish (Joh 21:6, 11), it does not suggest that God drags people against their will. This verb can also mean “to attract,” and Jesus’ statement may allude to Jer 31:3, where Jehovah said to his ancient people: “I have drawn you to me with loyal love.” (The Septuagint uses the same Greek verb here.) Joh 12:32 shows that in a similar way, Jesus draws men of all sorts to himself. The Scriptures show that Jehovah has given humans free will. Everyone has a choice when it comes to serving Him. (De 30:19, 20) God gently draws to himself those who have a heart that is rightly disposed. (Ps 11:5; Pr 21:2; Ac 13:48) Jehovah does so through the Bible’s message and through his holy spirit. The prophecy from Isa 54:13, quoted in Joh 6:45, applies to those who are drawn by the Father.—Compare Joh 6:65.Joh 6:64—In what sense did Jesus know “from the beginning” that Judas would betray him? (“Jesus knew . . . the one who would betray him,” “from the beginning” study notes on Joh 6:64, nwtsty)
Jesus knew . . . the one who would betray him: Jesus was referring to Judas Iscariot. Jesus spent the entire night in prayer to his Father before selecting the 12 apostles. (Lu 6:12-16) So at first, Judas was faithful to God. However, Jesus knew from Hebrew Scripture prophecies that he would be betrayed by a close associate. (Ps 41:9; 109:8; Joh 13:18, 19) When Judas started to go bad, Jesus, who could read hearts and thoughts, detected this change. (Mt 9:4) By use of his foreknowledge, God knew that a trusted companion of Jesus would turn traitor. But it is inconsistent with God’s qualities and past dealings to think that Judas had to be the one who would fail, as if his failure were predestined.
from the beginning: This expression does not refer to Judas’ birth or to his being selected as an apostle, which happened after Jesus had prayed the entire night. (Lu 6:12-16) Rather, it refers to the start of Judas’ acting treacherously, which Jesus immediately discerned. (Joh 2:24, 25; Re 1:1; 2:23; see study notes on Joh 6:70; 13:11.) This also shows that Judas’ actions were premeditated and planned, not the result of a sudden change of heart. The meaning of the term “beginning” (Greek, ar·kheʹ) in the Christian Greek Scriptures is relative, depending on the context. For example, at 2Pe 3:4, “beginning” refers to the start of creation. But in most instances, it is used in a more limited sense. For instance, Peter said that the holy spirit fell on the Gentiles “just as it did also on us in the beginning.” (Ac 11:15) Peter was not referring to the time of his birth or to the time when he was called to be an apostle. Rather, he was referring to the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., that is, “the beginning” of the outpouring of holy spirit for a specific purpose. (Ac 2:1-4) Other examples of how the context affects the meaning of the term “beginning” can be found at Lu 1:2; Joh 15:27; and 1Jo 2:7.What has this week’s Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?
*** ws18 June p. 14 par. 18 May We All Be One as Jehovah and Jesus Are One ***
18 It is good for us to remember that we all used to be far away from God. (Ephesians 2:12) But Jehovah drew us to him with love. (Hosea 11:4; John 6:44) And Christ welcomed us. He made it possible for us to become part of God’s family. (Read Romans 15:7.) Even though we are imperfect, Jesus has kindly accepted us, so we should never even think of rejecting anyone!*** w17 February p. 7 par. 18 Jehovah’s Purpose Will Be Fulfilled! ***
18 Satan’s rebellion did not stop Jehovah from extending his love to mankind, nor can it prevent even imperfect humans from being loyal to Jehovah. Through his provision of the ransom, Jehovah will help all of his children to become completely righteous. Imagine what life will be like when everyone “who recognizes the Son and exercises faith” will have everlasting life. (John 6:40) With great love and wisdom, Jehovah will bring the human family to perfection, according to his original purpose. Jehovah, our Father, will then become “all things to everyone.”—1 Cor. 15:28.*** w17 February p. 10 par. 10 The Ransom—A “Perfect Present” From the Father ***
10 What about the billions of people who died without ever having an opportunity to know and serve Jehovah? The ransom makes possible the resurrection of the dead. Our loving heavenly Father will bring them back to life and give them an opportunity to learn about his purpose and to gain everlasting life. (Acts 24:15) Jehovah wants people to live, not die. As the Source of life, he becomes the Father of everyone who is resurrected. (Ps. 36:9) How appropriate, therefore, that Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father in the heavens.” (Matt. 6:9) Jehovah has given Jesus an important share in resurrecting the dead. (John 6:40, 44) In Paradise, Jesus will fulfill his role as “the resurrection and the life.”—John 11:25.*** w17 March p. 9 par. 4 Give Honor to Whom It Is Due ***
4 Honoring Jehovah and Christ is not optional. Our everlasting life depends on our doing so. Jesus’ words that we read at John 5:22, 23 help us to see that plainly: “The Father judges no one at all, but he has entrusted all the judging to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.”—Read Psalm 2:11, 12.*** w17 July p. 13 par. 4 “Weep With Those Who Weep” ***
4 Our Father of tender mercies has himself experienced the loss of loved ones, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and King David. (Num. 12:6-8; Matt. 22:31, 32; Acts 13:22) God’s Word assures us that Jehovah has eagerly anticipated—has had an earnest longing for—the time when he will bring them back to life. (Job 14:14, 15) They will be happy and in vibrant health. Consider, too, that God’s dearly beloved Son—“the one he was especially fond of”—died an agonizing death. (Prov. 8:22, 30) Words cannot express the pain Jehovah must have suffered.—John 5:20; 10:17.*** w17 December p. 12 par. 21 “I Have Hope Toward God” ***
21 In the meantime, we should bolster our faith in Jehovah, who through Jesus assured us that the dead in God’s memory will rise. (John 5:28, 29; 11:23) Proving that Jehovah is capable of resurrecting the dead, Jesus once said that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob “are all living to him.” (Luke 20:37, 38) Meanwhile, we have ample reason to say, as did Paul: “I have hope toward God . . . that there is going to be a resurrection.”—Acts 24:15.*** w16 May p. 19 par. 6 Is the Bible Still Changing Your Life? ***
6 Our inherited imperfection does not need to prevent us from enjoying Jehovah’s friendship or continuing to serve him. Consider this: When Jehovah drew us into a relationship with him, he knew that we would err at times. (John 6:44) Since God knows our traits and what is in our heart, he surely was aware of what sort of imperfect tendencies would be particularly troublesome for us. And he knew that we would occasionally transgress. Yet, this did not prevent Jehovah from wanting us as his friends.What other spiritual gems have you discovered in this week’s Bible reading?
*** w18 June p. 4 par. 5 “My Kingdom Is No Part of This World” ***
5 Such expectations about the Messiah doubtless led the people of Galilee to want Jesus to become their king. We can imagine that they were thinking that Jesus would be an ideal leader. He was an outstanding speaker; he could cure the sick; he could even supply food for the hungry. After Jesus fed about 5,000 men, he sensed the mood among the people. “Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone.” (John 6:10-15) The following day on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, the enthusiasm may have died down some. Jesus then explained to the crowd the true nature of his work. He had come to bring spiritual, not material, benefits to the nation. “Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for everlasting life,” he told them.—John 6:25-27.*** w18 November p. 9 par. 5 “I Will Walk in Your Truth” ***
5 Sadly, some today have failed to hold on to the truth. Some were stumbled by an adjusted understanding of a Bible passage or by what a prominent brother said or did. Others were offended by Scriptural counsel they received, or they let go of the truth because of a personality clash with a fellow Christian. Still others took sides with apostates and other opposers who misrepresented our beliefs. As a result, some deliberately began “drawing away” from Jehovah and the congregation. (Heb. 3:12-14) How much better it would have been if they had maintained their faith and kept their confidence in Jesus, as the apostle Peter did! When Jesus asked the apostles if they wanted to leave, Peter immediately replied: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.”—John 6:67-69.*** w16 March p. 7 pars. 16-17 Young Ones—Are You Ready to Get Baptized? ***
16 To illustrate, imagine that a friend gives you a car as a gift. He hands you the title and says: “The car is yours.” But suppose your friend adds: “I will keep the keys. And I will be the one who drives the car, not you.” How would you feel about this “gift”? How would you feel about the giver?
17 Now think about what Jehovah rightfully expects of a person who makes a dedication to him, a person who tells him: “I am giving you my life. I belong to you.” What if that person were to start living a double life, perhaps secretly dating an unbeliever? What if he were to accept employment that crippled his whole-souled service in the ministry or attendance at Christian meetings? Would that not be like keeping the keys to the car? A person who dedicates himself to Jehovah is, in effect, saying: “My life belongs to you more than to me. If there is ever a conflict between what you want and what I am inclined to want, what you want will win—every time.” That would reflect the thinking of Jesus, who while on earth stated: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”—John 6:38.*** w16 April pp. 14-15 par. 7 “Let Endurance Complete Its Work” ***
7 Nourish your faith with spiritual food. On Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, a climber burns about 6,000 calories a day, considerably more than the average person needs. To endure the ascent and reach their goal, climbers must consume as many calories as possible. Similarly, to endure in our Christian course and reach our goal, we must regularly take in as much spiritual food as possible. We need self-discipline to devote time to reading, study, and our Christian meetings. These activities nourish our faith with “the food that remains for everlasting life.”—John 6:27.*** w16 April p. 28 par. 3 Maintain Your Neutrality in a Divided World ***
3 The Bible gives several reasons why God requires that we remain neutral. For example, we follow the teachings and example of his Son, Jesus Christ, by being “no part of the world,” avoiding its politics and wars. (John 6:15; 17:16) We must remain neutral in order to be loyal subjects of God’s Kingdom. Otherwise, how could we have a clean conscience when we preach the good news that only God’s Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems? Additionally, unlike false religions that divide their members by meddling in politics, true worship preserves our international brotherhood by helping us to remain neutral.—1 Pet. 2:17.*** w15 2/15 p. 9 par. 16 Imitate Jesus’ Humility and Tenderness ***
16 Our tender words. Our tender affection for others moves us to “speak consolingly to those who are depressed.” (1 Thess. 5:14) What can we say to encourage such ones? We can lift their spirits by expressing our genuine care and concern for them. We can offer sincere commendation to help them see their positive qualities and abilities. We can remind them that Jehovah drew them to his Son, so they must be precious in his eyes. (John 6:44) We can reassure them that Jehovah deeply cares for his servants who are “brokenhearted” or “crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18) Our tender words can have a healing effect on those who need comfort.—Prov. 16:24.
*** w15 4/15 p. 7 par. 20 Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others? ***
20 Elders, remember: A successful teacher is someone who not only loves to train another person but also loves the person he is training. (Compare John 5:20.) That crucial aspect of a teacher’s disposition is quickly discerned by a learner and greatly affects the way he responds to the training he receives. Therefore, dear elders, as you give training, be more than a teacher—be a friend.—Prov. 17:17; John 15:15. -
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Nothing Was Wasted
Nothing Was Wasted
After Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 men plus women and children, he instructed his disciples: “Gather together the fragments left over, so that nothing is wasted.” (Joh 6:12) Jesus showed appreciation for Jehovah’s provisions by not wasting them.
In modern times, the Governing Body strives to imitate Jesus by making wise use of dedicated resources. For example, when building world headquarters in Warwick, New York, the brothers chose designs that allowed for the best use of donated funds.HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . .
HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . . when we are at Christian meetings?
Ordinary and maintenance costs are the largest part of the total cost of a building. To the extent that we save water, paper, light, and energy in our Kingdom Hall, we can contribute as individuals to fully realize the benefits and goals of this building, and to exploit its potential. In this way we avoid waste, and at the same time help to give glory to the name of Jehovah.
HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . . when we obtain publications for our personal use? (km 5/09 3 ¶4)
4 As for publications for personal use, request only what you actually need. Write your name in the space provided. That will help you keep track of your personal copy. If you use the Watchtower Library on CD-ROM and have saved your personal copies of the magazines, you may not feel a need to request personal copies of the Watchtower and Awake! bound volumes.HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . . when we pick up literature items for use in the ministry? (mwb17.02 “Make Wise Use of Bible Literature” ¶1)
Jesus taught: “You received free, give free.” (Mt 10:8) We adhere to that clear direction by not charging people for a copy of the Bible or our Bible-based literature. (2Co 2:17) Nevertheless, these publications contain precious truths from God’s Word. Great effort and expense are involved in printing literature and shipping it to congregations around the world. Therefore, we should take only what we need.when we share in the ministry? (mwb17.02 “Make Wise Use of Bible Literature” ¶2 and the box)
Use discernment when giving literature to others, even at public witnessing locations. (Mt 7:6) Instead of simply handing out literature to passersby, make an effort to converse with them to determine their interest. Can you answer yes to at least one of the questions in the accompanying box? If you are unable to determine someone’s interest, it is best to give him a tract. Of course, if he asks for a magazine or another publication, we will gladly give him a copy.—Pr 3:27, 28.
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Sample Conversations – Second Return Visit 09-2018
○○● SECOND RETURN VISIT
Question: How do we know that God understands us?
Scripture: Ps 139:1, 2, 4
Link: How can God’s care benefit us?
But how can we be sure that God understands us? Notice what King David said about God in Psalm 139. Let’s read verses 1, 2 and then 4. David said, “O Jehovah, you have scrutinized me, and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; understand my thoughts from afar. Before even one word is on my tongue, you, O Jehovah, you already know everything. ” In these verses we have just read, do you think there is anything that can confirm the fact that God fully understands us?
Here he says, that God understands our thoughts.
Anna but thinks about it, sometimes it seems that others can not really understand each other. But God goes further, goes deep, knows our thoughts, our motivations, our concerns. It really understands us! Is not it comforting?
Yes, I would say yes! Thank you! Today, I really needed to hear it.
But let it be. If I’m not indiscreet, I understand that it’s not a good time for her.
In fact …
I’m really sorry. Anyway, rest assured that we love her, and the creator loves her too. Next time, I would like you to read another very encouraging verse, which answers the question: In what ways can God help us? Would you like it?
Look, I can not wait.
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