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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 Whaleâs Self-Cleaning Skin
WAS IT DESIGNED?The Pilot Whaleâs 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 7:8-10âDid Jesus lie to his unbelieving fleshly brothers? (w07 2/1 6 Âś4)
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. âPass on over from here and go into Judea,â they advised him. What was Jesusâ reply? âYou 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.â 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: âHe committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth.ââJohn 7:1-13; 1 Peter 2:22.Joh 8:58âWhat basis is there for rendering the last expression of this verse âI have beenâ instead of âI am,â and why is this important? (âI have beenâ study note on Joh 8:58, nwtsty)
I have been: The opposing Jews wanted to stone Jesus for claiming that he had âseen Abraham,â although, as they said, Jesus was ânot yet 50 years old.â (Joh 8:57) Jesusâ 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¡goĘš ei¡miĘš (rendered âI amâ 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¡miĘš started âbefore Abraham came into existenceâ and was still in progress. It is therefore properly translated âI have beenâ rather than âI am,â and a number of ancient and modern translations use wording similar to âI have been.â In fact, at Joh 14:9, the same form of the Greek verb ei¡miĘš is used to render Jesusâ words: âEven after I have been with you men for such a long time, Philip, have you not come to know me?â Most translations use a similar wording, showing that depending on context there is no valid grammatical objection to rendering ei¡miĘš as âhave been.â (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, Jesusâ 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 weekâs Bible reading taught you about Jehovah?
*** wp18 No. 3 p. 10 SufferingâIs 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 Godâs justice and righteousness? (Matthew 4:23, 24) Jesus would never counteract Godâs actions. He said: âI always do the things pleasing to himâ and, âI am doing just as the Father has commanded me to do.ââJohn 8:29; 14:31.
The Bible is clear. Jehovah God âis never unjust.â (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 Godâs righteousness, Abraham, a faithful servant of God, said that God would never âsweep away the righteous with the wicked.â That would be âunthinkable,â he said. (Genesis 18:23, 25) The Bible also says that âGod does not act wickedlyâ; he does not âdo wrong.ââJob 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: âThe whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.â (1 John 5:19) That âwicked oneâ is Satan the Devil, a powerful spirit creature who was originally an angel of God but âdid not stand fast in the truth.â (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 worldâs affairs. This has been particularly so in our time. Now, the Devil has great anger and âis misleading the entire inhabited earth,â which has resulted in âwoe for the earth.â (Revelation 12:9, 12) Indeed, Satan is a brutal dictator. He gets perverse satisfaction from human suffering. It is Satanânot Godâwho causes people to suffer.
CONSIDER: Only a heartless, diabolical evildoer would cause innocent people to suffer. By contrast, the Bible says: âGod is love.â (1 John 4:8) In harmony with his loving personality, âit is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!ââJob 34:10.*** w18 May pp. 18-19 par. 7 Why We âKeep Bearing Much Fruitâ ***
7 As to the connection between obedience and love, Jesus earlier said to his apostles: âWhoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.â (John 14:21) Moreover, by carrying out Jesusâ command to go and preach, we too show our love for God because Jesusâ commandments reflect his Fatherâs 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 âIf You Know These Things, Happy You Are if You Do Themâ ***
18 Doing what we know to be right brings rich blessings. No wonder Proverbs 4:7 says that âwisdom is the most important thingâ! 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, âthe wisdom of God,â 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 SlaveryâThen and Now ***
âWith Jehovah our God there is no injustice,â says the Bible, and it assures us that he has not changed. (2 Chronicles 19:7; Malachi 3:6) God sent Jesus to âproclaim liberty to the captives . . . , to send the crushed ones away free.â (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: âThe truth will set you free.â (John 8:32) Even today, the truth that Jesus taught liberates people in many ways.âSee the box âEscape From a Different Kind of Slavery.â*** wp17 No. 6 p. 6 What Is the Best Gift of All? ***
The gift of Godâs only-begotten Sonâthat 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 Jehovahâs Compassion ***
9 We can learn a lesson from Jesus. He felt compassion for the crowds he met, for âthey were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.â How did he react to their pitiful state? âHe started to teach them many things.â (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: âDraw close to God, and he will draw close to you.â 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: âThe One who sent me is real, and . . . I know him.â (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 weekâs 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 Godâs will and standards. (John 8:29; 14:9; 15:10) Note, for example, how Jehovahâs feelings of compassion are described by the prophet Isaiah, and compare that description with what the Gospel writer Mark reports about Jesusâ 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: âIf you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â (John 8:31, 32) Jesusâ 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: âEvery doer of sin is a slave of sin. . . . If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.ââJohn 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: âIf the Son sets you free, you will be truly free,â he was talking about liberation from the greatest bondage and oppression that humankind has ever experiencedâbeing âa slave of sin.â 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 OnesâStand Firm Against the Devil ***
4 Similarly, the truths we learn from Godâs 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 âbreastplate,â that is, to live by Godâs righteous standards. (Ps. 111:7, 8; 1 John 5:3) In addition, when we have a clear understanding of the truths from Godâs Word, we can confidently stand our ground and defend them against opposers.â1 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: âCan anything good come out of Nazareth?â (John 1:46) Apparently, Nathanael knew of the prophecy at Micah 5:2 and considered Nazareth too insignificant to be the Messiahâs 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.âJohn 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: âStop judging by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.â (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 Jesusâ 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 peopleâs hearts, not by boasting or drawing undue attention to ourselves, but by displaying a âquiet and mild spirit.â (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.âJohn 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. âThe whole worldâ 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 âblinding peopleâs mindsâ that he now âmisleads the entire inhabited earth.â (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, Godâs 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.âLuke 6:40.*** w15 10/15 p. 32 âThe Naive Person Believes Every Wordâ ***
Today it is possible to spread newsâtrue or false, useful or worthless, harmless or dangerousâat 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 Jehovahâs organization or lies about our brothers that are circulated by people who are slaves to âthe father of the lie,â Satan the Devil. (John 8:44; 1 Cor. 13:7) Thinking ability and discernment will help us become âshrewdâ and consider how to handle responsibly the increasing amount of information available to us on a daily basis. As the Bible says, âthe naive will inherit foolishness, but the shrewd are crowned with knowledge.ââProv. 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 âSlanderer.â (Joh 8:44) Satanâs 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 âHAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVESââAVOID 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 âHAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVESââAVOID 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 âHAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVESââREPUDIATE 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 âHAVE LOVE AMONG YOURSELVESââREPUDIATE 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 Harrisâ 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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