At once abandoning the nets, they followed him.—Matthew 4:20.
What helped Peter, Andrew, James, and John take up the full-time ministry? Was it an emotional, spur-of-the-moment decision? Hardly! Over the previous months, these men listened to Jesus, saw him perform miracles, observed his zeal for righteousness, and witnessed the amazing response to his preaching. As a result, their faith in Jehovah and their trust in him became stronger! (Matt. 4:18-22) How can we imitate Jesus in helping our Bible students to build their trust in Jehovah? (Prov. 3:5, 6) When teaching, we can highlight God’s promise to bless us abundantly if we put Kingdom interests first. (Mal. 3:10; Matt. 6:33) Although we can use various scriptures to emphasize how Jehovah provides for his people, not to be overlooked is the effect of the example we ourselves set. Sharing experiences from our own life can accomplish much in helping our students develop reliance on Jehovah.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
With such sacrifices God is well pleased.—Hebrews. 13:16.
If an Israelite’s sacrifice was a voluntary manifestation of sincere gratitude to Jehovah, then making the appropriate choice of animal would likely present no challenge. The worshipper would be happy to give Jehovah his very best. Christians today do not make the literal sacrifices stipulated by the Mosaic Law; yet they do make sacrifices, in the sense that they use their time, energy, and resources to serve Jehovah. The apostle Paul referred to the “public declaration” of the Christian hope and “the doing of good and the sharing of things with others” as sacrifices that please God. (Heb. 13:15) The spirit with which Jehovah’s people engage in such activities reveals how grateful and appreciative they are for all that God has given to them. So there is a parallel between the attitudes and motivations of those who engage in Christian service today and those who offered voluntary sacrifices in ancient times.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
Shepherd the flock of God in your care.—1 Peter 5:2.
Sometime before Nero launched his persecution against Christians in Rome, the apostle Peter wrote his first letter. He wanted to strengthen his fellow believers. The Devil was ‘walking about,’ seeking to devour Christians. To stand firm against him, they needed to ‘keep their senses’ and to ‘humble themselves under the mighty hand of God.’ (1 Pet. 5:6, They also needed to stay united. They could not afford to be “biting and devouring one another,” for that could result in their being “annihilated by one another.” (Gal. 5:15) Today, we face a similar situation. The Devil is looking for opportunities to devour us. (Rev. 12:12) And ahead of us looms a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning.” (Matt. 24:21) Just as first-century Christians had to guard against squabbling among themselves, so must we. To accomplish this, at times we need help from qualified older men.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and strong. Do not suffer shock or be terrified, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go Joshua 1:9
We must trust in Almighty God (YHWH), and seek to win his good favor by obediently doing his well. Since we are no longer under the old Law Covenant, but now under the New Covenant we must seek to live our lives in accordance to the principles set forth in the Bible. As Joshua wrote, “Only be courageous and very strong to take care to do according to all the law [New Covenant] that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, in order that you may act wisely everywhere you go. This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Joshua 1:7-
Remember, “…we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God, that YOU may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after YOU have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm. Stand firm, therefore, with YOUR loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and with YOUR feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which YOU will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.” (Ephesians 6:12-16). Our struggle against these wicked forces of God’s arch enemy, Satan the Devil, will NOT BE EASY, and it will get worse as the culmination of the end times approaches on this wicked system of things.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
If anyone loves God, this one is known by him.—1 Corinthians 8:3.
Some who have much love for Jehovah find it challenging to believe that God can know them in a positive way. Some have feelings of worthlessness, so they question the idea of belonging to Jehovah. How glad we can be, though, that God can see us from a different perspective! (1 Sam. 16:7) Your love for God is an important prerequisite for being known by him. Consider: Why are you reading this publication? Why are you striving to serve Jehovah with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength? If you are dedicated to God and baptized, what led you to take those steps? The Bible explains that Jehovah, who examines hearts, draws desirable ones. (Hag. 2:7; John 6:44) Therefore, you can conclude that you are serving Jehovah because he drew you. He will never leave the ones whom he has drawn if they remain faithful. God views them as very precious, and he loves them dearly.—Ps. 94:14.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12.
Now why did the Apostle Paul use the term 'wrestling'? Because it conveys the idea of hand-to-hand combat and a struggle at close quarters. Thus, by using that term, Paul stressed that each individual has a personal fight with wicked spirits. Whether we live in a country where belief in wicked spirits is prevalent or not, we should never forget that when we were baptized (dedicated our selves to Almighty God (YHWH)), we stepped on the wrestling mat so to speak. At least from dedication onward, each genuine follower of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is locked in combat with the forces of evil. No wonder that Paul saw the need to urge Christians in Ephesus three times to "stand firm"! (Ephesians 6:11, 13-14).
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Matthew 12:24
Now the Pharisees made this false accusation due to hate as testified to at John 15:18, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you..” Jesus (Yeshua) answered them at Matthew 12:25-28, “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” Testifying to what is written at Luke 16:13, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Today, those hating the truth make many false accusations against his genuine true followers such as falsely accusing them of hierocracy, being an evil cult, etc. and other forms that clearly show hate, but as Jesus (Yeshua) said at 1 John 3:13, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (Authorized King James Bible; AV)
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
You yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.—Exodus 19:6
Was Jehovah’s promise that the Israelites could furnish “a kingdom of priests” an empty one? Not at all. If they sincerely tried to obey, they would have this opportunity—but not under the Law. Why not? (Gal. 3:19-25) For those who faithfully endeavored to observe it, the Law had the effect of preserving pure worship. It made the Jews aware of their transgressions and of the need for a sacrifice greater than their high priest could offer. It was a tutor that would lead them to the Christ, or Messiah, titles that mean “Anointed One.” However, when the Messiah arrived, he would introduce the new covenant foretold by Jeremiah. Those who accepted the Christ were invited to become party to the new covenant and would actually become “a kingdom of priests.”
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
And God went on to say: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every moving animal that is moving upon the earth.” 27 And God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27.
Before Adam and Eve were created, Almighty God (YHWH) was confident that humans would be able to carry out his will for them, reflect his qualities, and bring him glory. In practicing godly devotion, we should display the qualities of the One who made us. If we do so, we have the blessed privilege of reflecting Almighty God’s (YHWH) glory regardless of our culture, out education, or our ethnic background. Why? Because ‘God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him:’ Acts 10:34-35.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Authorized King James Bible; AV)
If we are to reflect Almighty God’s (YHWH) glory, we must ‘become imitators of God.’ Per “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;” Ephesians 5:1, One way to imitate Almighty God (YHWH) is to adopt his viewpoint regarding matters. Striving to live in any other way is dishonoring to him and damaging to us. Since the world that surrounds us is under the influence of the wicked one, Satan the Devil, we must work hard to have a hatred for what Jehovah hates and a deep love for what he loves (see Psalms 97:10, 1 John 5:19). We need heartfelt conviction that the only proper way to serve Almighty God (YHWH) is by doing all things for his glory.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire.—James 1:14.
Jesus’ example teaches us to be willing to suffer shame and not to put too much importance on our personal reputation. (Heb. 12:2) Also, when tempted by Satan, Jesus saw beyond the immediate temptation and considered the consequences of his actions. He relied on God’s Word and also used Jehovah’s name. When we are faced with temptations to do things that are displeasing to Jehovah, on what do we focus our attention? The more we focus on the temptation, the stronger that wrong desire will be. (Jas. 1:15) We need to take quick action to root out the desire, even if that action may seem as drastic as, in effect, removing a part of our body. (Matt. 5:29, 30) Like Jesus, we need to focus on the consequences of our actions—how they will affect our relationship with Jehovah. We must recall what his Word, the Bible, says. Only in this way can we prove that Jehovah is the most important Person in our life.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
Happy, the destitute, in spirit; for, theirs, is the kingdom of the heavens; Matthew 5:3 (Rotherham Bible; RB).
Around the world and in every culture and religion, people pray. Sometimes they pray alone and at other times is groups. They prey in all types of buildings and to all types of shrines. They may use prayer rugs, rosary beads, prayer wheels, icons, prayer books, etc.
In fact, prayer sets humans apart from all other life on this earth. Granted, we have much in common with the animals. Like them, we need food, air, and water. Like them we are born, we live , and we die. (Ecclesiastes 3:19) But only humans pray. Why?
Probably, the simplest answer is that we need to. Prayer, after all, is generally seen as a way for people to reach out to the spirit realm, to something they view as holy, or sacred, and eternal. Inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, whows that we were made with an appetite for such things. (Ecclesastes 3:11) Jesus (Yeshua) Christ once said at Matthew 5:3, “Happy, the destitute, in spirit; for, theirs, is the kingdom of the heavens;” (RB).
Thus, we all have a ‘spiritual need’ – how else could one explain all those religious edifices and artifacts, all those countless hours spent in prayer? Of course, some people look to themselves or to their fellow humans to fill spiritual needs. Therefore, do you not sense, though, that humans are just too limited to help adequately? Only someone far wiser, more powerful, more enduring than we are can give us what we need. And just what are these spiritual needs that drive us to pray?
Consider; Have you ever yearned for guidance, wisdom, or answers to questions that seem beyond the reach of human knowledge? Have you ever felt in need of comfort when wounded by a terrible loss, of guidance when faced with an agonizing decision, or of forgtiveness when crushed by guilt?
According to inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, those are all valid reasons to pray. And the Bible is the most reliable and credible book on this subject, and it contains a record of prayers of many faithful men and women. They prayed for comfort, for guidance, for forgiveness, and for answers to the most difficult of questions. (Psalm 23:3; 71:21; Daniel 9:4-5 and 19; Habakkuk 1:3).
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
Satan has seduced innumerable people into looking to material things to provide security. Money, possessions, and high-paying jobs may seem to deliver advantages. What do material things deliver, though, when health fails, when the economy crumbles, or when a natural disaster strikes? What do they deliver when people feel empty inside, in need of purpose, direction, and answers to life’s deeper questions? What relief can they deliver in the face of death? If we look to material things to fill spiritual needs, we will be disappointed. Material possessions do not deliver; they are unrealities. In the long run, they cannot even provide physical security, for they have no lasting effect on the present brevity of human life or the likelihood of sickness and death. (Prov. 23:5) How much more real, then, is our God, Jehovah! Only in a strong relationship with him can we find genuine security.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
Although [Jesus] had performed so many signs before them, they were not putting faith in him, so that the word of Isaiah the prophet was fulfilled.—John 12:37, 38.
Yes, despite all the good done by the Messiah, many people would not believe in him. (Isa. 53:1) Also, few put faith in the good news about Jesus, the Messiah, during the ministry of the apostle Paul. (Rom. 10:16, 17) The Scriptures foretold that the Messiah would be hated without cause. (Ps. 69:4) The apostle John quotes Jesus as saying: “They have both seen and hated me as well as my Father. But it is that the word written in their Law may be fulfilled, ‘They hated me without cause.’” (John 15:24, 25) The Gospel accounts prove that Jesus was hated, especially by the Jewish religious leaders. Moreover, Christ said: “The world has no reason to hate you, but it hates me, because I bear witness concerning it that its works are wicked.”—John 7:7.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
‘Being, therefore, offspring of God, we ought not to think the Godhead to be like to gold, or silver, or stone, graving of art and device of man; Acts 17:29 (Youngs Literal Translation; YLT).
Indeed, if Humans are a product of Almighty God (YHWH), then how could Almighty God (YHWH) take the form of idols, which are a product of men? Paul’s tactful reasoning exposed the folly of worshipping man-made idols (Psalms 115:4-8; Isaiah 44:9-20). By saying, “we ought not to think,” Paul no doubt removed some of th sting from his rebuke of the idol worshipping Athenian, Greeks.
The apostle made it clear that action was needed: “the times, indeed, therefore, of the ignorance God having overlooked, doth now command all men everywhere to reform,” Acts 17:30 (YLT). Some of Paul’s listeners might have been shocked to hear this call for repentance, but his powerful speech plainly showed that they owed their life to Almighty God (YHWH) and were thus accountable to Him. The needed to seek Almighty God (YHWH), learn the truth about him, and bring their whole way of life into harmony with that truth. For the Athenians, that meant recognizing and turning away from the sin of idolatry.
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
They also needed to stay united. They could not afford to be “biting and devouring one another,” for that could result in their being “annihilated by one another.” (Gal. 5:15) Today, we face a similar situation. The Devil is looking for opportunities to devour us. (Rev. 12:12) And ahead of us looms a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning.” (Matt. 24:21) Just as first-century Christians had to guard against squabbling among themselves, so must we. To accomplish this, at times we need help from qualified older men.
