***w104/15pp.10-11pars.13-14HolySpirit'sRoleintheOutworkingofJehovah'sPurpose***
This magazine has long been used by "the faithful and discreet slave" as the primary channel for dispensing increased light. (Matt. 24:45) For example, consider our understanding of those who make up "this generation" mentioned by Jesus. (ReadMatthew24:32-34.) To what generation did Jesus refer? The article "Christ's Presence-What Does It Mean to You?" explained that Jesus was referring, not to the wicked, but to his disciples, who were soon to be anointed with holy spirit. Jesus' anointed followers, both in the first century and in our day, would be the ones who would not only see the sign but also discern its meaning-that Jesus "is near at the doors."
14 What does this explanation mean to us? Although we cannot measure the exact length of "this generation," we do well to keep in mind several things about the word "generation": It usually refers to people of varying ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period; it is not excessively long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then, are we to understand Jesus' words about "this generation"? He evidently meant that the lives of the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation. That generation had a beginning, and it surely will have an end. The fulfillment of the various features of the sign clearly indicate that the tribulation must be near. By maintaining your sense of urgency and keeping on the watch, you show that you are keeping up with advancing light and following the leadings of holy spirit.-Mark 13:37.
***w106/15p.5UnitedinLove-AnnualMeetingReport***
Brother Barr made clear that the gathering would not continue indefinitely. He referred to Matthew 24:34, which says: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur." He twice read the comment: "Jesus evidently meant that the lives of the anointed ones who were on hand when the sign began to be evident in 1914 would overlap with the lives of other anointed ones who would see the start of the great tribulation." We do not know the exact length of "this generation," but it includes these two groups whose lives overlap. Even though the anointed vary in age, those in the two groups constituting the generation are contemporaries during part of the last days. How comforting it is to know that the younger anointed contemporaries of those older anointed ones who discerned the sign when it became evident beginning in 1914 will not die off before the great tribulation starts!
***w101/15pp.31-32par.15Jehovah'sWayofRulingVindicated!***
Each of us would do well to ask himself: 'Do I fully recognize the responsibilities that I should shoulder within the Christian congregation? Am I properly supporting Jehovah's way of governing? Am I proud to be a subject of Jehovah's ruling Kingdom? Am I determined to continue telling others about God's Kingdom to the extent that I reasonably can?' As a group, we willingly submit ourselves to the direction given by the Governing Body and cooperate with the appointed elders in the congregations. In such ways, we demonstrate our acceptance of God's way of ruling. (ReadHebrews13:17.)
***w107/15p.6par.15WhatJehovah'sDayWillReveal***
some have become casual or even cynical about reminders concerning the need to stay awake. 'We have heard that same reminder for decades,' they may say. However, those individuals should keep in mind that by making such remarks, they are actually questioning Jehovah and his Son, not just the faithful slave class.
***w107/15p.23par.10"TheSpiritSearchesInto...theDeepThingsofGod"***
When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of "the faithful and discreet slave" at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. (Matt. 24:45; 1 Cor. 2:13) The Governing Body as a whole considers adjusted explanations. (Acts 15:6) What they learn, they publish for the benefit of all. (Matt. 10:27) As time goes on, further clarifications may be needed, and these too are honestly explained.
***w109/15p.13pars.7-8UnityIdentifiesTrueWorship***
First-century Christians enjoyed unity because they all received encouragement from the same source. They recognized that Jesus was teaching and directing the congregation through a governing body, composed of the apostles and older men in Jerusalem. These devoted men based their decisions on God's Word and had traveling overseers communicate their instructions to the congregations in many lands. Concerning some such overseers, the Bible says: "As they traveled on through the cities they would deliver to those there for observance the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and older men who were in Jerusalem."-Acts 15:6, 19-22; 16:4.
Similarly today, a Governing Body composed of spirit-anointed Christians contributes to the unity of the worldwide congregation. The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God's Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah.-Isa. 54:13.
***w109/15p.23par.8"YourLeaderIsOne,theChrist"***
The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ.
***w1011/15p.23'TheThingsHeDidHaveGoneRightWithHim'***
THEODORE JARACZ, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, finished his earthly course on Wednesday morning, June 9, 2010.
***w103/15p.16par.7WalkbySpiritandLiveUptoYourDedication***
the faithful and discreet slave class provides much-needed understanding of the pure waters of Bible truth
***w106/15p.27par.12FindRefreshmentinSpiritualThings***
the faithful and discreet slave class has made arrangements for a Family Worship evening.
***w107/15p.23par.13"TheSpiritSearchesInto...theDeepThingsofGod"***
We receive "food at the proper time" through the slave class. The "slave" fulfills its assignment by supplying Scriptural material and by arranging programs for study and meetings. There are well-thought-out reasons for asking "the whole association of brothers" to consider certain information. (1 Pet. 2:17; Col. 4:16; Jude 3) We cooperate with the holy spirit when we do our best to follow the recommendations provided.-Rev. 2:29.
***w105/15p.23ContinuetoExerciseYourPerceptivePowers***
In order to develop our thinking ability, it is necessary for us to acquire and satisfy a taste for study of the Bible and the publications of "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matt. 24:45-47)
***w109/15p.8par.7EarnestlySeekJehovah'sBlessing***
Without the assistance of "the faithful and discreet slave," we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God's Word nor know how to apply it.
***w107/1pp.6-7TheChallengeofKnowingGodbyName***
When apostate Christians made copies of the Christian Greek Scriptures, they evidently took Jehovah's personal name out of the text and substituted Ky′ri·os, the Greek word for "Lord."
***w104/15p.10par.12HolySpirit'sRoleintheOutworkingofJehovah'sPurpose***
Let us remember that Jehovah's organization is made up of two parts, one in heaven and the other on earth. If the heavenly part is directed by holy spirit, the same must be true of the earthly part. By being obedient and loyal to the direction received from the earthly part of God's organization, you show that you are keeping pace with Jehovah's celestial chariot and are working in harmony with his holy spirit.-Heb. 13:17.
***jrchap.2pp.25-26par.18Servingin"theFinalPartoftheDays"***
Nebuchadnezzar now made Zedekiah, another of Josiah's sons, king of Judah. He was to be the last earthly king of the Davidic line. His reign ended when Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed in 607 B.C.E.
***jrchap.2p.28par.24Servingin"theFinalPartoftheDays"***
24 In 607 B.C.E., the Babylonians finally broke through Jerusalem's walls, and the city fell.
***jrchap.5p.55WhatFriendsWillYouChoose?***
Archaeologist Eilat Mazar reports unearthing a small clay seal impression, or bulla. (below left) It was found in 2005 during a supervised excavation of a layer dating back to when Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E.
***w109/1p.14HeDignifiesUsWithFreeWill***
Hezekiah began reigning in 745 B.C.E., when he was 25 years old.
***w102/15p.28par.18WelcometotheBestWayofLife!***
In 1914, this significant statement was published in TheWatchTower: "Are we not a blessed, happy people? Is not our God faithful? If any one knows anything better, let him take it. If any of you ever find anything better, we hope you will tell us. We know of nothing better nor half as good as what we have found in the Word of God. . . . No tongue or pen can tell the peace, the joy and the blessing which a clear knowledge of the true God has brought into our heart and life. The Story of God's Wisdom, Justice, Power and Love fully satisfies the cravings of both our head and our heart. We are seeking no further. There is nothing more to be desired than to get this wonderful Story more clearly before our mind." (TheWatchTower, December 15, 1914, pages 377-378)
***jrchap.4pp.45-46par.7GuardAgainstaTreacherousHeart***
A Christian might mistakenly think that his heart could never deceive him, as happened to many in Jeremiah's day. For example, a man might reason, 'I have to hold down a job to support my family,' which is understandable. What if that led him to think, 'I need more education to secure or hold a decent job'? That too might seem logical, leading him to conclude, 'Times have changed, and to survive today you need to get a college or university education to hold on to your job.' How easily one might start to minimize the wise, balanced advice from the faithful and discreet slave class about additional education and start to miss meetings! In this area, some have gradually been molded by the world's reasonings and views.
***jrchap.8pp.94-95par.7WillYou"KeepLiving,"asDidJeremiah?***
Consider first that Jeremiah was to remain childless. Jesus did not command his followers to abstain from having children. Yet, it is noteworthy that he pronounced "woe" on pregnant women or those nursing a baby when tribulation came on Jerusalem in 66-70 C.E. That time would be especially difficult for them, given their situation. (Matt. 24:19) We now face a greater tribulation. This should add a dimension for Christian couples who are deciding whether to have children. Do you not agree that it seems harder and harder to deal with these critical times? And couples have admitted that it has been very challenging to raise children who will "keep living" through the end of the present system. While each couple must decide if they will have children, Jeremiah's case is worth considering. But what of God's command that he not even get married?
***jrchap.14pp.172-173par.9YouCanBenefitFromtheNewCovenant***
, the new covenant was made operative by Jesus' blood. Based on that perfect sacrifice, Jehovah could 'forgive error and sin' lastingly. (Acts 2:38; 3:19) But who would be in this new covenant and gain that forgiveness? Not the Jewish nation. Jesus said that God would reject the Jews, those who offered animal sacrifices under the Law, and He would turn to another nation. (Matt. 21:43; Acts 3:13-15) That proved to be "the Israel of God," composed of Christians anointed with holy spirit. In basic terms, the Law covenant was between God and natural Israel, while the new covenant is between Jehovah God and spiritual Israel, with Jesus as its Mediator.-Gal. 6:16; Rom. 9:6.
***jrchap.14pp.176-177par.17YouCanBenefitFromtheNewCovenant***
What happens to the sins of those whom God favors? As noted earlier, Jehovah said through Jeremiah: "I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more." (Jer. 31:34) God does this for the anointed on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice. In a similar way, God can forgive the sins of the great crowd on the basis of the same "blood of the covenant." Jeremiah's saying that God would "remember" sins no more does not imply that He would have a memory lapse and simply not be able to recall the sins. Rather, it indicates that once Jehovah has administered any needed discipline and forgiven a repentant sinner, God throws that past sin behind Him.
***w1010/15p.28HelpYoungOnestoBecomeFamiliarWithJehovah'sOrganization***
Help young ones to understand why certain procedures are followed in the congregation. Explain why they should not act independently of Jehovah's organization, even in small ways. Show them how they can contribute to good order in the congregation by following the direction of the elders.