It is not you whom they have rejected, but it is I whom they have rejected from being king over them.—1 Samuel 8:7.
Through the prophet Samuel, Israel demanded a visible, human king. Jehovah told Samuel to grant their request. Although Jehovah permitted Israel to have a visible king, he warned them that rule by a human king would come at a price. (1 Sam. 8:9-1 History demonstrated the truth of Jehovah’s warning. Being ruled by a human king led to serious problems for Israel, especially when that king proved unfaithful. With that example of Israel in mind, it is not surprising that throughout the ages, government in the hands of humans who do not know Jehovah has failed to bring permanent good results. True, some politicians invoke God’s blessing on their efforts to achieve peace and security, but how can God bless those who do not submit to his way of ruling?—Ps. 2:10-12.
May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your believing, that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit.—Romans 15:13.
Even with helpful friends around you in the congregation, you may still find it difficult to cope with daily challenges. What you have to contend with may at times leave you feeling lost, as if you were in a long tunnel of problems. That is especially a time for you to turn to Jehovah, asking for his holy spirit. “When I am weak,” wrote the apostle Paul, “then I am powerful.” (2 Cor. 4:7-10; 12:10) Paul knew that God’s spirit can make up for human weaknesses, regardless of their nature. Thus, God’s active force can strengthen you whenever you feel weak and in need of help. Paul wrote that he could “take pleasure in weaknesses.” It was when he was weak that he felt holy spirit operating on him. You can experience the same feeling! _________________ 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!
Accept . . . the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word.—Ephesians 6:17.
Applying the principles found in God’s Word makes it possible for us to get along well with others. (Matt. 7:12; Phil. 2:3, 4) With the road ahead figuratively well-lit, we are able to take into consideration the long-term effects of our decisions. (1 Tim. 6:9) The Scriptures also foretell God’s purpose for the future, helping us to pursue a lifestyle that is consistent with that purpose. (Matt. 6:33; 1 John 2:17, 18) What a meaningful life a person can enjoy if he allows godly principles to guide his life! Think, too, of what a powerful weapon the Bible is in our spiritual warfare. (Eph. 6:12) Paul called God’s word “the sword of the spirit.” When presented effectively, the Bible’s message can free people from spiritual bondage to Satan. It is a sword that is saving lives instead of destroying them. Should we not strive to wield it skillfully? _________________ 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!
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!
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.—Romans 3:23.
Jehovah has the entire universe under his authority. He lacks nothing and needs no one. However, Jehovah must have felt some disappointment when one of his spirit sons rebelled and became Satan. God must have been affected later when some other angels joined in the rebellion. Think, too, of the pain felt by God when Adam and Eve, the masterpieces of his physical creation, turned their backs on him. Since then, billions of their descendants have rejected Jehovah’s authority. For some 6,000 years, Jehovah has observed acts of idolatry, violence, murder, and sexual perversion. (Gen. 6:5, 6, 11, 12) Furthermore, he has heard despicable lies and blasphemies. Even God’s own true worshippers have on occasion hurt his feelings. (Ps. 78:40, 41) The pain that Jehovah feels when his people reject him is certainly great. (Jer. 3:1-10) Clearly, bad things happen, and Jehovah feels deeply distressed when they do.—Isa. 63:9, 10. _________________ 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!
Your father and your mother will rejoice.—Proverbs 23:25.
The value of training our children to be well-mannered cannot be overestimated. To get along well as adults, young ones need to learn the proper way to greet visitors, to answer the telephone, and to eat a meal with others. They should be helped to understand why they ought to hold doors for people, show kindness to the elderly and sick, and offer to help those carrying heavy packages. They need to understand the importance of sincerely saying “please,” “thank you,” “you are welcome,” “may I help you?,” and “I am sorry.” The best way to train children to be courteous is by setting a good example. Thus, children will be able to make friends and will maintain peace with others. They will be well-equipped to work with employers and coworkers. Moreover, children who are courteous, mannerly, and upright will bring their parents joy and satisfaction.—Prov. 23:24. _________________ 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!
They with one accord raised their voices to God.—Acts 4:24.
Think about your own prayers. Do they reflect your keen interest in Jehovah’s Kingdom, in the doing of his will, and in the sanctification of his holy name? (Matt. 6:9, 10) They should. Because of persecution or other trials, prayer often includes pleas for help to serve Jehovah with courage. When the Sanhedrin ordered Peter and John to stop ‘teaching upon the basis of Jesus’ name,’ those apostles courageously refused to quit. (Acts 4:18-20) After being released, they told fellow believers what had happened. Then all those present petitioned God for help in speaking his word with boldness. How thrilling it must have been when that prayer was answered, for they were “filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness”! (Acts 4:24-31) As a result, multitudes became worshippers of Jehovah. Prayer can also strengthen you to declare the good news boldly. _________________ 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!
John 8:42 Jesus (Yeshua) said to them, " Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).
Jesus (Yeshua) said he comes from God. The flesh cannot be speaking for the flesh was created. So Jesus (Yeshua)'s spiritual being came from God. Jesus (Yeshua) did not send himself, he did not come on his own, but before he was on earth, God sent him. Jesus (Yeshua) was sent by God into the world, so Jesus (Yeshua) is before the world with God. He is referred to a Pr. 8:22-31, “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of 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!
Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt.—Colossians 4:6.
Paul was specifically referring to the way we should talk to those “on the outside,” that is, those who are not our Christian brothers. (Col. 4:5) Surely, if nonbelievers deserve respect when we speak to them, how much more so do our friends inside the congregation! Good friends value each other’s opinion, so communication between them needs to be both gracious and forthright. Wise King Solomon wrote: “Oil and incense are what make the heart rejoice, also the sweetness of one’s companion due to the counsel of the soul.” (Prov. 27:9) Is that how you view any counsel you receive from a friend? (Ps. 141:5) If a friend expresses concern about some course of action that you are taking, how do you react? Do you view the comments as an act of loving-kindness, or do you take offense? _________________ 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!
His enemy came and oversowed weeds in among the wheat.—Matthew 13:25.
Jesus tells us that the enemy “is the Devil.” The weeds are described as “the sons of the wicked one.” (Matt. 13:38, 39) In a literal sense, the weeds that Jesus referred to were probably the bearded darnel. This poisonous plant closely resembles wheat in its early stages before it reaches maturity. What a fitting picture of imitation Christians, those who claim to be sons of the Kingdom but do not produce genuine fruitage! These hypocritical Christians who claim to be followers of Christ are really part of the “seed” of Satan the Devil. (Gen. 3:15) Jesus did not say that the wheat would become weeds. So this illustration does not portray genuine Christians who fall away from the truth. Rather, it points to a deliberate effort on the part of Satan to corrupt the Christian congregation by introducing wicked people into it. By the time that the last apostle, John, was old, this apostasy was clearly evident.—2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 2:18. _________________ 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!
Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are.—2 Corinthians 13:5.
By being “on fire with the Spirit,” we can demonstrate increased boldness in our house-to-house ministry and when witnessing informally. (Rom. 12:11, The Bible—An American Translation) What if we have lost our zeal for the ministry or our fervor for it is not what it used to be? Then an honest self-examination is in order. Ask yourself: ‘Am I still aglow with the spirit? Do I pray to Jehovah for his spirit? Do my prayers show that I rely upon him to do his will? Do they contain words of appreciation for the ministry entrusted to us? How are my personal study habits? How much time do I take to meditate on what I read and hear? How involved am I in congregation meetings?’ Reflecting on questions such as these can help you identify areas of weakness and take corrective measures. _________________ 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 this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14)[American Standard Version; ASV].
Note, it did NOT say anything about all listening which is clearly shown not to be the case; one needs to consider several scriptures in the new testament showing the Truth with respect what God (YHWH) has to say through inspired writers and then reflect back to how this would apply to a great percentage of the world’s population. First let's consider both Luke 13:24 and Matthew 7:13-14, it is in both of these that the road followed by true believers would be narrow and cramped, Luke 13:24, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." (Authorized King James Bible: AV); And Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, abroad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (AV); thereby, clearly showing few would be entering the narrow gate "which leadeth unto life." In reality, it will be difficult for even true Christians to enter as testified to at 1 Peter 4:18, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear." (AV). In order to enter, we must have the right sort of guide, Luke 1:79, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (AV). Now, if one picks the wrong group, just because it is popular or the so called 'one to belong to in a community' and not because of Bible Truths, there is an important warning given at Matthew 15:14, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (AV). In fact, being with the wrong group can mean you are NOT having fellowship with the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) as testified to at 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not [have] the truth." (AV). This danger is made abundantly clear at Luke 12:32 when Jesus (Yeshua) spoke of his true followers as a little flock and not a large one, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (AV). Simply stated, his true followers will be relatively few in number which should cause all sincere individuals to question what they believe and to test it. _________________ 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!
Consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.—2 Peter 3:15.
Jehovah’s qualities of patience and long-suffering would scarcely have come so prominently to the fore had it not become necessary for him to deal with human imperfections, sins, and shortcomings. Jehovah’s willingness to do so for thousands of years demonstrates that he possesses these marvelous qualities to a perfect degree, and for that we should be most grateful. We are all sinners, and we all stumble many times. (Jas. 3:2; 1 John 1:8, 9) How grateful we should be that Jehovah is willing to forgive “in a large way”! (Isa. 55:7) Consider also this fact: Having been born as imperfect sinners, we are in a position to experience the profound joy we feel when God forgives us our errors. (Ps. 51:5, 9, 17) Personally experiencing that heartwarming characteristic of Jehovah strengthens our love for him and encourages us to follow his example in our dealings with others.—Col. 3:13. _________________ 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!
No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him.—John 6:44.
Jehovah has lovingly drawn each of his servants into a relationship with him. Out of all the billions of people on the earth, Jehovah has extended a personal invitation to us to be a part of his congregation today. Accepting this invitation was the best decision we ever made. It has given our life purpose and meaning. And what joy and satisfaction we experience because we have a place in the congregation! “Jehovah, I have loved the dwelling of your house,” said the psalmist. He also sang: “My own foot will certainly stand on a level place; among the congregated throngs I shall bless Jehovah.” (Ps. 26:8, 12) The true God has a place for each of us in his organization. By continuing to follow theocratic direction and by staying busy in God’s service, we can keep our precious place in Jehovah’s arrangement. _________________ 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!
[Paul] reasoned with them from the Scriptures.—Acts 17:2.
Reason from the Scriptures in a way that is convincing. Using heartfelt entreaty and sound logic, Paul convincingly reasoned with others from the Scriptures. (Acts 17:4) Like him, endeavor to reach the heart of your listener. ‘Draw up’ what is in it by using kind questions that reflect personal interest in the individual. (Prov. 20:5) Avoid being blunt. Present arguments in a clear and logical manner. They should be supported by satisfying evidence. Your statements should be solidly based on God’s Word. It is better to use one text well by explaining and illustrating the point than to read two or three scriptures in rapid succession. Using corroborative evidence can also ‘add persuasiveness to your lips.’ (Prov. 16:23) At times, it may be necessary to do research and provide additional information _________________ 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!
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History demonstrated the truth of Jehovah’s warning. Being ruled by a human king led to serious problems for Israel, especially when that king proved unfaithful. With that example of Israel in mind, it is not surprising that throughout the ages, government in the hands of humans who do not know Jehovah has failed to bring permanent good results. True, some politicians invoke God’s blessing on their efforts to achieve peace and security, but how can God bless those who do not submit to his way of ruling?—Ps. 2:10-12.
