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Text file-Good News From God . GOOD NEWS FROM GOD! How to benefit from this brochure: This brochure will help you to enjoy learning directly from God's Word, the Bible. The references at the end of each paragraph show where in your Bible you can read answers to the questions in bold print. As you read the Bible texts, consider how they answer these questions. Any one of Jehovah's Witnesses will be pleased to help you to reason on the meaning of the Scriptures.
Read Luke 24:32, 45. ©2012
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA All Rights Reserved Publishers
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC. Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. 2012 Printing (Part 1.) What Is the Good News? 1. What is the news from God?
God wants people to enjoy life on earth. He created the earth and everything on it because he loves mankind. Soon he will act to provide a better future for people in every land. He will relieve mankind of the causes of suffering. Read Jeremiah 29:11. No government has ever succeeded in eliminating violence, disease, or death. But there is good news. Shortly, God will replace all human governments with his own government. Its subjects will enjoy peace and good health. Read Isaiah 25:8; 33:24; Daniel 2:44. 2. Why is the good news urgent?
Suffering will end only when God clears the earth of bad people. (Zephaniah 2:3) When will that happen? God's Word foretold the conditions that now threaten mankind. Current events indicate that God's time to act is close. Read 2 Timothy 3:1 -5. 3. What should we do?
We should learn about God from his Word, the Bible. It is like a letter to us from a loving father. It tells us how to enjoy a better way of life now and how to enjoy everlasting life on earth in the future. True, some may not like it that you are receiving help to understand the Bible. But the opportunity of a better future is too good to miss. Read Proverbs 29:25; Revelation 14:6, 7. (Part 2.) Who Is God? 1. Why should we worship God?
The true God is the Creator of all things. He had no beginning and will never have an end. (Psalm 90:2) He is the Source of the good news found in the Bible. (1 Timothy 1:11) Since God gave us life, we should worship only him. Read Revelation 4:11. 2. What is God like?
No human has ever seen God because he is a Spirit, which means that he is a higher form of life than the physical creatures who live on earth. (John 1:18; 4:24) Nevertheless, we can discern God's personality from the things he has made. For instance, the variety of fruits and flowers tells us of his love and wisdom. The size of the universe tells us of his power. Read Romans 1:20. We can learn even more about God's personality by reading the Bible. For example, it tells us what God likes and what he does not like, how he treats people, and how he reacts in different situations. Read Psalm 103:7-10. 3. Does God have a name?
Jesus said: "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified." (Matthew 6:9) Although God has many titles, he has only one name. In each language, it is pronounced differently. In English it is usually pronounced "Jehovah." But some people pronounce it "Yahweh."
Read Psalm 83:18. God's name has been taken out of many Bibles and replaced with the titles Lord or God. But when the Bible was written, it contained God's name some 7,000 times. Jesus made God's name known when he taught people about God. Read John 17:26. 4. Does Jehovah care about us?
Does widespread suffering mean that Jehovah is a God who does not care about us? Some people claim that he makes us suffer to test us, but this is not true. Read James 1:13. God has granted man the dignity of free will. Do we not appreciate our freedom to choose to serve God? (Joshua 24:15) But many choose to do bad things to others, so suffering abounds. It hurts Jehovah to see such injustice. Read Genesis 6:5, 6. Jehovah is a God who cares about us. He wants us to enjoy life. Soon he will eliminate suffering and those who cause it. Meanwhile, he has good reason to allow suffering for a limited time. In Lesson 8, we will learn what that reason is. Read 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7, 13. (Sidebar: Like this loving father, God is acting for our long-term good) 5. How can we draw closer to God? Jehovah invites us to draw close to him by speaking to him in prayer. He is interested in us individually. (Psalm 65:2; 145:18) He is willing to forgive. He recognizes our efforts to please him, even if we sometimes fail. So despite our imperfection, we really can enjoy a close relationship with God. Read Psalm 103:12-14; James 4:8. Since Jehovah has given us life, we should love him more than we love anyone else. (Mark 12:30) As you express your love for God by learning more about him and doing as he asks, you will draw ever closer to him. Read 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 5:3. (Part 3.) Is the Good News Really From God? 1. Who is the Author of the Bible?
The good news that people will live forever on earth is written in the Bible. (Psalm 37:29) The Bible is made up of 66 smaller books. God used about 40 faithful men to write them. The first five books were written by Moses about 3,500 years ago. The last book was written by the apostle John over 1,900 years ago. Whose ideas did Bible writers present? God communicated with the Bible writers by means of his holy spirit. (2 Samuel 23:2) They wrote down the thoughts of God, not their own thoughts. So Jehovah is the Author of the Bible.
Read 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21. 2. How can we be sure the Bible is true?
We know that the Bible is from God because it accurately foretells the future in detail. No man can do that. (Joshua 23:14) Only Almighty God can accurately foresee mankind's future. Read Isaiah 42:9; 46:10. We would expect a book from God to be unique, and it is. Billions of copies of the Bible have been distributed in hundreds of languages. Though ancient, the Bible is in harmony with proved science. Also, its 40 writers did not contradict one another.* Furthermore, the Bible bears the unmistakable stamp of God's love, and it still has the power to change people's lives for the better. These facts convince millions that the Bible is God's Word.
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13. * See the brochure “A Book for All People.” 3. What is the Bible about?
The Bible centers on the good news that God has a loving purpose for mankind. The Scriptures explain how man's privilege of living on a paradise earth was lost early in human history and how a paradise will finally be restored. —Read Revelation 21:4, 5. God's Word also contains laws, principles, and advice. In addition, the Bible records the history of God's dealings with mankind—a history that reveals God's personality. Thus, the Bible can help you to know God. It explains how you can become his friend. Read Psalm 19:7, 11 James 2:23; 4:8. 4. How can you understand the Bible? This brochure will help you to understand the Bible by using the same method that Jesus used. He referred to one Bible text after another and explained "the meaning of the Scriptures." Read Luke 24:27, 45. Few things are as fascinating as the good news from God. Yet, some people are indifferent to it, and others are even annoyed by it. Do not be discouraged. Your hope of enjoying everlasting life depends on your getting to know God. Read John 17:3. For more information, see chapter 2 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 4.) Who Is Jesus Christ? 1. How did Jesus' life begin?
Unlike any other human Jesus lived in heaven as a spirit person before he was born on earth. (John 8:23) He was God's first creation, and he helped in the creation of all other things. He is the only one created directly by Jehovah and is therefore appropriately called God's "only-begotten" Son. (John 1:14)Jesus served as God's Spokesman, so he is also called "the Word." Read Proverbs 8:22, 23, 30; Colossians 1:15, 16. 2. Why did Jesus come to the earth?
God sent his Son to earth by transferring his life from heaven to the womb of a virgin Jewess named Mary. So Jesus did not have a human father. (Luke 1:30-35) Jesus came to the earth (1) to teach the truth about God, (2) to set us an example in how to do God's will even when we are in difficulties, and (3) to give his perfect life as "a ransom." Read Matthew 20:28. 3. Why do we need a ransom?
A ransom is the price paid to release a person from the threat of death. (Exodus 21:29, 30) Death and old age were not part of God's original purpose for mankind. How do we know that? God told the first man, Adam, that if he committed what the Bible calls "sin," he would die. So if Adam had not sinned, he would never have died. (Genesis 2:16,17; 5:5) According to the Bible, death "entered" the world of mankind through Adam. Thus, Adam passed on to all his descendants sin and its penalty, death. We need a ransom to release us from the penalty of death that we inherited from Adam. Read Romans 5:12; 6:23. Who could pay the ransom to free us from death? When we die, we pay the penalty only for our own sins. No imperfect man can pay for the sins of others. Read Psalm 49:7-9. (Sidebar: What qualities made Jesus approachable? See Matthew 11:29; Mark 10:13-16) 4. Why did Jesus die?
Unlike us, Jesus was perfect. So he did not need to die for his sins—he never committed any. Instead, Jesus died for the sins of others. God expressed extraordinary love for mankind by sending his Son to die for us. Jesus also showed love for us by obeying his Father and giving his life for our sins. Read John 3:16; Romans 5:18, 19. 5. What is Jesus doing now?
When on earth, Jesus cured the sick, raised the dead, and rescued people in peril. He thereby demonstrated what he will do in the future for all obedient mankind. (Matthew 15:30, 31 John 5:28) After Jesus died, God restored him to life as a spirit person. (1 Peter 3:18) Jesus then waited at God's right hand until Jehovah gave him power to rule as King over all the earth. (Hebrews 10:12, 13) Now Jesus is ruling as King in heaven, and his followers are announcing that good news worldwide. Read Daniel 7:13, 14; Matthew 24:14. Soon, Jesus will use his power as King to bring an end to all suffering and to those who cause it. All who exercise faith in Jesus by obeying him will enjoy life in a paradise on earth. Read Psalm 37:9-11. For more information, see chapters 4 and 5 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 5.) What Is God's Purpose for the Earth? 1. Why did God create the earth?
Jehovah gave the earth to men and women. It is our home. Therefore, the first human couple, Adam and Eve, were not created to populate the heavens—God had already created angels to live in heaven. (Job 38:4, 7) Rather, God took the first man and settled him in a delightful paradise called the garden of Eden. (Genesis 2:15-17) Jehovah gave him and his future offspring the prospect of enjoying life without end on earth. Read Psalm 37:29; 115:16. Originally, only the garden of Eden was a paradise. The first human couple were to fill the earth with their offspring. In time, they were to subdue the entire globe and make it a paradise. (Genesis 1:28) The earth will never be destroyed. It will always be mankind's home.
Read Psalm 104:5. 2. Why is the earth not a paradise now?
Adam and Eve disobeyed God, so Jehovah put them out of the garden. Paradise was lost, and no man has succeeded in restoring it. The Bible says: "Earth itself has been given into the hand of the wicked one."—Job 9:24. Read Genesis 3:23, 24. Has Jehovah abandoned his original purpose for mankind? No! He is almighty. He cannot fail. (Isaiah 45:18) He will restore the human race to the way he meant it to be. Read Psalm 37:11, 34. 3. How will Paradise be restored?
Paradise will be restored on earth during Jesus' rule as God's King. In a battle called Armageddon, Jesus will lead God's angels and destroy all who oppose God. Then Jesus will imprison Satan for 1,000 years. God's people will survive the destruction because Jesus will guide and protect them. They will enjoy everlasting life in Paradise on earth. Read Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3, 4. 4. When will suffering end?
When will God bring an end to evil on earth? Jesus gave a "sign" to indicate when the end would be near. Present world conditions threaten man's survival and show that we now live in "the conclusion of the system of things."
Read Matthew 24:3, 7-14, 21, 22. During Jesus' 1,000-year rule from heaven over the earth, he will bring all suffering to an end. (Isaiah 9:6, 7; 11:9) Besides serving as King, Jesus will act as High Priest and will cancel the sins of those who love God. Thus, by means of Jesus, God will eliminate sickness, aging, and death. Read Isaiah 25:8; 33:24. 5. Who will live in the future Paradise? People who obey God will live in Paradise. (1 John 2: 17) Jesus sent his followers to search for meek people and to teach them how to become acceptable to God. Today, Jehovah is preparing millions of people for life in the future Paradise on earth. (Zephaniah 2:3) At Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses, people learn to be better husbands and fathers and to be better wives and mothers. Children and parents worship together and learn how to benefit from the good news. Read Micah 4:1-4. For more information, see chapter 3 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Sidebar: At the Kingdom Hall, you will meet people who love God and want to learn how to please him) (Part 6.) What Hope Is There for the Dead? 1. What is the good news about the dead?
When Jesus arrived at Bethany near Jerusalem, his friend Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus went to the burial place with Martha and Mary, sisters of the deceased man. Soon, a crowd gathered. Can you imagine the joy of Martha and Mary when Jesus raised Lazarus back to life? Read John 11:21-24, 38-44. Martha was already aware of the good news about the dead. She knew that Jehovah will resurrect the dead to live on earth again. Read Job 14:14, 15. 2. What is the condition of the dead?
Humans are made from dust. (Genesis 2:7; 3:19) We are not spirits living in a body of flesh. We are physical creatures, so no part of us survives death. When we die, our brain dies too, and our thoughts perish. Thus, Lazarus said nothing about his experience of death because the dead are unconscious. Read Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10. Does God torment people with fire after death? Since the Bible shows that the dead are unconscious, hellfire is clearly a false teaching that slanders God. The very idea of tormenting people with fire disgusts him. Read Jeremiah 7:31. (Sidebar: God told Adam: "Dust you are and to dust you will return."-Genesis 3:19.) 3. Can the dead speak to us?
The dead can neither speak nor hear. (Psalm 115:17) But some angels are wicked, and they may speak to people and pretend to be dead humans. (2 Peter 2:4) Jehovah forbids trying to inquire of the dead. Read Deuteronomy 18:10, 11. 4. Who will return to life?
Many millions of people who are dead in the grave will return to life on earth. Even some who did not know God and who practiced bad things will be resurrected. Read Luke 23:43: Acts 24:15. Resurrected ones will be able to learn the truth about God and to exercise faith in Jesus by obeying him. (Revelation 20:11-13)Those who return to life and do good things will be able to enjoy life forever on earth. Read John 5:28, 29. 5. What does the resurrection tell us about Jehovah?
God made hope for the dead possible by sending his Son to die for us. So the resurrection tells us about Jehovah's love and undeserved kindness. When the dead return to life, whom do you especially want to see? ReadJohn 3:16; Romans 6:23. For more information, see chapters 6, 7, and 10 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 7.) What Is God's Kingdom? 1. What is God's Kingdom?
The Kingdom of God is a heavenly government. It will replace all other governments and will cause God's will to be done in heaven and on earth. The news about God's Kingdom is good. Soon God's Kingdom will satisfy man's need for good government. It will unite everyone living on earth.
Read Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10; 24:14. A kingdom must have a king. Jehovah appointed his Son, Jesus Christ, to be King of His Kingdom. Read Revelation 11:15. 2. Why is Jesus the ideal King?
God's Son is the ideal King because he is kind and he is firm for what is right. (John 1:14) Also, he is powerful enough to help people because he will rule over the earth from heaven. After he was resurrected, he ascended to heaven and sat down to wait at Jehovah's right hand. (Hebrews 10:12,13) Finally, God gave him power to begin ruling. Read Daniel 7:13, 14. (Sidebar: What makes Jesus an ideal King? Read Mark 1:40-42.) 3. Who will rule with Jesus?
A group called "the holy ones" will rule with Jesus in heaven. (Daniel 7:27) The first holy ones chosen were Jesus' faithful apostles. Jehovah has continued to select faithful men and women as holy ones until now. Like Jesus, they are resurrected with a spiritual body. Read John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. How many people go to heaven? Jesus called them a "little flock." (Luke 12:32) They will finally number 144,000. They will rule over the earth with Jesus. Read Revelation 14:1. 4. What happened when Jesus began ruling?
God's Kingdom began ruling in 1914.* Jesus' first action as King was to throw Satan and his demons down to the earth. Satan became furious and began causing trouble throughout the earth. (Revelation 12:7-10, 12) Since then, mankind's woes have severely increased. Wars, famines, epidemics, and earthquakes are all part of a "sign" that the Kingdom will soon take full charge of earth's affairs. Read Luke 21:7, 10, 11, 31. * For details of how Bible prophecy foretold the year 1914, see pages 215-218 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? 5. What does God's Kingdom accomplish?
By means of a global preaching work, God's Kingdom is already uniting a great crowd of people from all nations. Millions of meek people are becoming subjects of Jesus. God's Kingdom will protect them when it destroys the present wicked system of things on earth. So all who want to benefit from God's Kingdom should learn to be obedient subjects of Jesus. Read Revelation 7:9, 14, 16, 17. During a period of 1,000 years, the Kingdom will accomplish God's original purpose for mankind. The earth will become a global paradise. Finally, Jesus will hand the Kingdom back to his Father. (1 Corinthians 15:24-26) Do you know someone whom you would like to tell about God's Kingdom? Read Psalm 37:10, 11, 29. For more information, see chapters 8 and 9 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 8.) Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering? 1. How did evil begin?
Evil began on earth when Satan told the first lie. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but "he did not stand fast in the truth." (John 8:44) He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to God. Satan lied to the first woman, Eve, and persuaded her to obey him instead of God. Adam joined Eve in disobeying God. Adam's decision led to suffering and death. Read Genesis 3:1-6, 19. When Satan suggested that Eve disobey God, he was starting a rebellion against God's sovereignty, or position as Most High. The majority of mankind have joined Satan in rejecting God as their Ruler. Thus, Satan has become "the ruler of the world." Read John 14:30; 1 John 5:19. 2. Was God's creation defective?
All of God's works are perfect. The humans and angels whom God created were capable of obeying God perfectly. (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) God created us with the freedom to choose between doing good and doing evil. That freedom gives us a way to express love for God. Read James 1:13-15; 1 John 5:3. 3. Why has God allowed suffering until now? For a limited time, Jehovah has allowed rebellion against his sovereignty. Why? To show that no effort to rule without him benefits people. (Ecclesiastes 7:29; 8:9) After 6,000 years of human history, the evidence is clear. Human rulers have failed to eliminate war, crime, injustice, or disease. Read Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 9:17. In contrast to human rulership, God's rule benefits those who accept it. (Isaiah 48:17,18) Soon, Jehovah will bring all human government to an end. Only people who choose to be ruled by God will inhabit the earth.—Isaiah 11:9. Read Daniel 2:44. (Sidebar: God has allowed men to rule for long enough to demonstrate that they cannot resolve mankind's problems) 4. What does God's patience allow us to do?
Satan claimed that no one would serve Jehovah out of unselfish love. Would you like to disprove that lie? You can! God's patience allows all of us to show whether we favor rule by God or rule by man. We indicate our choice by the way we live. Read Job 1:8-12; Proverbs 27:11. 5. How can we choose God as our Ruler?
We can choose God as our Ruler by seeking out and practicing true worship based on God's Word, the Bible. (John 4:23) We can reject Satan as our ruler by keeping out of politics and war, as Jesus did. Read John 17:14. Satan uses his power to promote immoral, harmful practices. When we reject such practices, some friends and relatives may ridicule or oppose us. (1 Peter 4:3, 4) So we face a choice. Will we associate with people who love God? Will we obey his wise and loving laws? If we do, we prove that Satan lied when he claimed that under pressure no one would do as God says. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:33. God's love for mankind guarantees that evil and suffering will end. Those who demonstrate that they believe this will enjoy life on earth forever. Read John 3:16. For more information, see chapter 11 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? ( Sidebar: Our choices reveal whether we want God as our Ruler) (Part 9.) How Can Your Family Be Happy? 1. Why is marriage vital to family happiness?
The good news comes from Jehovah, the happy God, who wants families to be happy. (1 Timothy 1:11) He originated marriage. Legal marriage is vital to family happiness because it provides a secure environment in which to raise children. How does God view marriage? He wants it to be a permanent union between a man and a woman. Christians should respect local laws concerning the registration of marriage. (Luke 2:1, 4, 5) Jehovah wants husbands and wives to be loyal to each other. (Hebrews 13:4) He hates divorce. (Malachi 2:16) But he does allow Christians to divorce and remarry if their spouse commits adultery.
Read Matthew 19:3-6, 9. 2. How should a husband and a wife treat each other?
Jehovah created men and women to fill complementary roles in marriage. (Genesis 2:18) As family head, a husband should take the lead in providing materially for his family and in teaching them about God. He should be self-sacrificing in his love for his wife. Husbands and wives should love and respect each other. Since all husbands and wives are imperfect, learning to forgive is a key to happiness in marriage. Read Ephesians 4:31, 32; 5:22-25, 33; 1 Peter 3:7. 3. Should you abandon an unhappy marriage?
If you experience difficulties in your marriage, both of you should work at treating each other with love. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) God's Word does not recommend separation as a way to resolve problems that are common in marriage. Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-13. 4. Children, what does God want for you?
Jehovah wants you to be happy. He gives you the best advice on how to enjoy your youth. He wants you to benefit from the wisdom and experience of your parents. (Colossians 3:20) Jehovah also wants you to experience the joy of doing things for your Creator and his Son.
Read Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1; Matthew 19:13-15; 21:15, 16. 5. Parents, how can your children find happiness?
You should work hard to provide food, housing, and clothing for your children. (1 Timothy 5:8) But for your children to find happiness, you also need to teach them to love God and to learn from him. (Ephesians 6:4) Your example in showing love for God can deeply influence your child's heart. When based on God's Word, your instruction can mold your child's thinking in a positive way.
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Proverbs 22:6. Children benefit when you encourage and commend them. They also need correction and discipline. Such training protects them from conduct that could rob them of happiness. (Proverbs 22:15) Yet, discipline should never be harsh or cruel. Read Colossians 3:21. Jehovah's Witnesses publish several books that are especially written to help parents and children. These books are based on the Bible. Read Psalm 19:7, 11. For more information, see chapter 14 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 10.) How Can You Recognize True Worship? 1. Is there only one true religion?
Jesus taught his followers only one religion, the true religion. It is like a road leading to everlasting life. Jesus said: "Few are the ones finding" that road. (Matthew 7:14) God accepts only worship based on his Word of truth. All true worshippers are united in one faith. Read John 4:23, 24; 14:6; Ephesians 4:4, 5. 2. What did Jesus say about false Christians?
Jesus warned that false prophets would corrupt Christianity. Outwardly, they seem like true worshippers. Their churches claim to be Christian. But you can recognize such people for what they really are. How? Only true worship produces genuine Christians with recognizable qualities and ways, Read Matthew 7:13-23. (Sidebar: "Be on the watch for the false prophets." -Matthew 7:15.) 3. How can you recognize true worshippers?
Consider these five identifying marks: - True worshippers respect the Bible as God's Word. They strive to live by its principles. So true religion differs from religion that is based on men's ideas. (Matthew 15:7-9) True worshippers do not preach one thing and practice another. Read John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. (Sidebar: "They publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works." -Titus 1:16.) - Jesus' true followers honor God's name, Jehovah. Jesus honored God's name by making it known. He helped people to know God and taught them to pray that God's name be sanctified. (Matthew 6:9) Where you live, which religion makes God's name known? Read John 17:26; Romans 10:13, 14. -True Christians preach about God's Kingdom.
God sent Jesus to preach the good news of the Kingdom. God's Kingdom is the only hope for mankind. Jesus continued speaking about it until his dying day. (Luke 4:43; 8:1; 23:42, 43) He said that his followers would preach about it. If someone approaches you to speak about God's Kingdom, to which religion does he likely belong? Read Matthew 24:14. - Jesus' followers are no part of this wicked world. You can recognize them by the way they take no part in politics or social conflicts. (John 17:16; 18:36) Also, they do not imitate the world's harmful practices and attitudes. Read James 4:4. - True Christians have outstanding love for one another.
From God's Word, they learn to respect all ethnic groups. Although false religions have often strongly supported the wars of the nations, true worshippers refuse to do so. (Micah 4:1-3) Rather, true Christians unselfishly use their time and resources to help and encourage others. Read John 13:34, 35; 1 John 4:20. 4. Can you identify the true religion?
Which religion bases all its teachings on God's Word, honors God's name, and proclaims God's Kingdom as mankind's only hope? Which group practices love and shuns war? What do you think? Read 1 John 3:10-12. For more information, see chapter 15 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 11.) How Do Bible Principles Benefit Us? 1. Why do we need guidance?
Our Creator is wiser than we are. As a loving Father, he cares for us. Also, he did not intend for us to be independent of him. (Jeremiah 10:23) So just as a small child needs the guidance of parents, we all need the guidance of God. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Bible principles provide guidance that is a gift from God. Read2 Timothy 3:16. Jehovah's laws and principles teach us the best way of life now and show us how we can gain everlasting rewards in the future. Since God created us, it is only right that we respond appreciatively to his guidance. Read Psalm 19:7, 11; Revelation 4:11. 2. What are Bible principles?
Bible principles are fundamental truths. Laws, on the other hand, may be for specific circumstances. (Deuteronomy 22:8) We must use thinking ability to understand how a principle applies in a particular situation. (Proverbs 2:10-12) For example, the Bible teaches that life is a gift from God. That basic principle can guide us at work, at home, and while traveling. It leads us to take safety precautions. Read Acts 17:28. 3. Which two principles are primary? Jesus spoke of two principles of prime importance. The first reveals the very purpose of human life—to know God, to love him, and to serve him faithfully. This first principle should be considered in all our decisions. (Proverbs 3:6) Those who take this principle to heart gain friendship with God, true happiness, and everlasting life. Read Matthew 22:36-38. (Sidebar: How could Bible principles move us to take safety precautions?
-PSALM 36:9.) The second principle can guide us into peaceful relationships with others. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Applying this second principle involves imitating God's way of treating people. Read Matthew 7:12; 22:39, 40. 4. How do Bible principles benefit us?
Bible principles teach families how to be united by love. (Colossians 3:12-14) God's Word also protects families by teaching another guiding principle—that marriage should be permanent. Read Genesis 2:24. By following Bible teachings, we can protect our material and emotional welfare. For example, employers often prefer workers who live by the Bible principles of honesty and diligence. (Proverbs 10:4, 26; Hebrews 13:18) God's Word also teaches us to be content with the things that are necessary and to value friendship with God above material things. Read Matthew 6:24, 25, 33; 1 Timothy 6:8-10. Applying Bible principles can protect our health. (Proverbs 14:30; 22:24, 25) For example, adhering to God's law against drunkenness protects us from deadly diseases and accidents. (Proverbs 23:20) Jehovah permits us to drink alcoholic beverages but only in moderation. (Psalm 104:15; 1 Corinthians 6:10) Godly principles benefit us by teaching us to guard not just our actions but also our thoughts. (Psalm 119:97-100) Yet, true Christians do not respect God's standards merely to benefit themselves. They do so to honor Jehovah. Read Matthew 5:14-16. For more information, see chapters 12 and 13 of the book 23
What Does the Bible Really Teach ? (Part 12.) How Can You Draw Close to God? 1. Does God listen to all prayers?
God invites people of all nations to draw close to him in prayer. (Psalm 65:2) Yet, he does not listen to, or accept, all prayers. For example, the prayers of a man who mistreats his wife can be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7) Also, when the Israelites persisted in badness, God refused to hear their prayers. Clearly, prayer is a privilege. Nevertheless, God will accept the prayers of even gross sinners if they repent. Read Isaiah 1:15; 55:7. 2. How should we pray?
Prayer is part of our worship, so we should pray only to our Creator, Jehovah. (Matthew 4:10; 6:9) Also, since we are imperfect, we should pray in the name of Jesus because he died for our sins. (John 14:6) Jehovah does not want us to repeat memorized or written prayers. He wants us to pray from our heart. Read Matthew 6:7; Philippians 4:6, 7. Our Creator can hear even silent prayers. (1 Samuel 1:12, 13) He invites us to pray on every occasion, such as at the beginning and the end of the day, at mealtimes, and when we face problems. Read Psalm 55:22; Matthew 15:36. 3. Why do Christians meet together?
Drawing close to God is not easy because we live among people who lack faith in God and ridicule his promise of peace on earth. (2 Timothy 3:1, 4; 2 Peter 3:3,13) So we need the encouraging association of fellow believers, and they need us. Read Hebrews 10:24, 25. Associating with people who love God helps us to draw close to God. The meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses provide fine opportunities to benefit from the faith of others. Read Romans 1:11, 12. 4. How can you draw close to God?
You can draw close to Jehovah by meditating on what you have learned from his Word. Contemplate his activities, his advice, and his promises. Prayerful meditation builds appreciation in our heart for God's love and wisdom. Read Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3. You can be close to God only if you trust in him, if you have faith in him. But faith is like a living thing that needs feeding. You must constantly feed your faith by reviewing the basis for your beliefs. Read Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 11:1, 6. 5. How will drawing close to God benefit you?
Jehovah cares for those who love him. He can protect them from anything that could jeopardize their faith and their hope of everlasting life. (Psalm 91:1, 2, 7-10) He warns us against ways of life that threaten our health and happiness. Jehovah teaches us the best way of life. Read Psalm 73:27, 28; James 4:4, 8. For more information, see chapter 17 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 13.) What Is the Good News About Religion? 1. Is all religion good?
There are sincere people in all religions. It is good news that God sees those people and cares about them. But sadly, religion has been used for evil ends. (2 Corinthians 4: 3, 4; 11:13-15) According to news reports, some religions are even involved in terrorism, genocide, war, and child abuse. How this saddens sincere believers in God! Read Matthew 24:3-5, 11, 12. Whereas true religion glorifies God, false religion displeases him. It teaches ideas that are not in the Bible, including false teachings about God and about the dead. But Jehovah wants people to know the truth about him. Read Ezekiel 18:4; 1 Timothy 2:3-5. 2. What is the good news about religion?
Happily, God is not deceived by religions that claim to love him but are really in love with Satan's world. (James 4:4) God's Word refers to all false religion as "Babylon the Great." Babylon was the ancient city where false religion began after the Flood of Noah's day. Soon, God will bring a sudden end to religion that deceives and oppresses mankind. Read Revelation 17:1, 2, 5, 16, 17; 18:8. There is more good news. Jehovah has not forgotten the sincere people who are scattered among false religions worldwide. He is uniting such people by teaching them the truth. Read Micah 4:2, 5. 3. What should sincere people do?
Jehovah cares about people who love what is true and good. He urges them to leave false religion behind. People who love God are willing to make changes to please him. Read Revelation 18:4. In the first century, when sincere people heard the good news from the apostles, they responded with joy. They learned a new way of life from Jehovah, a happier way of life with a purpose and a hope. They are a good example for us today because they responded to the good news by putting Jehovah first in their lives. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 9; 2:13. Jehovah welcomes into his family of worshippers those who turn away from false religion. If you accept Jehovah's warm invitation, you will receive his friendship, a new and loving family of fellow worshippers of Jehovah, and everlasting life. Read Mark 10:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. 4. How will God bring joy to every land?
The coming judgment of false religion is good news. It will bring worldwide relief from oppression. Never again will false religion mislead and divide mankind. Everyone living will be united in the worship of the only true God. Read Revelation 18:20, 21; 21:3, 4. (Sidebar: True religion is uniting people) For more information, see chapters 15 and 16 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 14.) Why Does God Have an Organization? 1. Why did God organize ancient Israel?
God organized descendants of the patriarch Abraham into a nation and gave them a body of laws. He called the nation "Israel" and made it the custodian of true worship and of his word. (Psalm 147:19, 20) So people of all nations could benefit from Israel. Read Genesis 22:18. God chose the Israelites to be his witnesses. Their ancient history provides a demonstration of how people benefit by obeying God's laws. (Deuteronomy 4:6) Thus, through the Israelites, others could get to know the true God. Read Isaiah 43:10, 12. 2. Why are true Christians organized?
In time, Israel lost God's favor, and Jehovah replaced that nation with the Christian congregation. (Matthew 21: 43; 23:37, 38) Now, in place of the Israelites, true Christians serve as Jehovah's witnesses. Read Acts 15:14, 17. Jesus organized his followers to preach and make disciples in all nations. (Matthew 10:7,11; 24:14; 28:19, 20) This work is reaching its climax now, in the conclusion of the present system of things. For the first time in history, Jehovah has united millions from ail nations in true worship. (Revelation 7:9,10) True Christians are organized to encourage and help one another. Worldwide, they enjoy the same program of Bible instruction at their meetings. Read Hebrews 10:24, 25. 3. How did the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses begin?
In the 1870's a small group of Bible students began rediscovering long-lost Bible truths. They knew that Jesus had organized the Christian congregation to preach, so they began an international Kingdom-preaching campaign. In 1931 they adopted the name Jehovah's Witnesses.
Read Acts 1:8; 2:1, 4; 5:42. 4. How are Jehovah's Witnesses organized?
In the first century, the Christian congregations in many lands benefited from a central governing body that recognized Jesus as the Head of the congregation. (Acts 16:4, 5) Similarly today, Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide benefit from a Governing Body of experienced elders. It oversees branch offices of Jehovah's Witnesses that translate, print, and distribute Bible-study material in over 600 languages. Thus the Governing Body can provide Scriptural encouragement and direction for over 100,000 congregations worldwide. In each congregation, qualified men serve as elders, or overseers. These men lovingly care for God's flock. Read 1 Peter 5:2, 3. Jehovah's Witnesses are organized to preach the good news and make disciples. Like the apostles, we preach from house to house. (Acts 20:20) We also offer to study the Bible with sincere lovers of truth. Butjehovah's Witnesses are not just an organization. We are a family with a loving Father. We are brothers and sisters who care for one another. (2 Thessalonians 1:3) Since Jehovah's people are organized to please God and to help others, they form the happiest family on earth.
Read Psalm 33:12; Acts 20:35. For more information, see chapter 19 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Part 15.) Why Should You Continue? 1. How will continuing your Bible study benefit you?
No doubt, this overview of basic Bible teachings has strengthened your love for Jehovah. This love needs constant cultivation. (1 Peter 2:2) Your hope of everlasting life depends on whether you continue to draw close to God by studying his Word. Read John 17:3; Jude 21. As you grow in knowledge of God, your faith will become stronger. Faith will help you to please God. (Hebrews 11: 1, 6) It will move you to repent and to make beneficial changes in your way of life. Read Acts 3:19. 2. How could your knowledge of God benefit others?
Naturally, you will want to share with others what you have learned—we all enjoy telling good news. As you continue studying the Bible, you will learn how to use the Bible to explain your faith in Jehovah and the good news. Read Romans 10:13-15. Most people start by sharing the good news with friends or relatives. Be tactful. Rather than saying that their religion is mistaken, tell them about God's promises. Also, remember that people are often more impressed by your kind behavior than by what you say. Read 2 Timothy 2:24, 25. 3. What relationship with God can you enjoy?
Studying God's Word will help you to grow spiritually. Eventually, you may enter into a very special relationship with Jehovah. You can actually belong to him as a member of his family. Read 2 Corinthians 6:18. (Sidebar: You can enter into a special relationship with Jehovah) 4. How can you continue to progress?
You can advance spiritually by continuing to study God's Word. (Hebrews 5:13,14) Ask one of Jehovah's Witnesses to study the Bible with you using the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? The more you learn from God's Word, the more successful your life will be. Read Psalm 1:1-3; 73:27, 28. The good news comes from Jehovah, the happy God. You can draw closer to him by drawing closer to his people. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) By continuing your efforts to please Jehovah, you are reaching out for the real life—everlasting life. Drawing close to God is truly the best thing that you can do. Read 1 Timothy 1:11; 6:19. For more information, see chapter 18 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? (Sidebar: What Does The Bible Really Teach. Available in print and online at www.jw.org in hundreds of languages BACK COVER WHICH TOPIC INTERESTS YOU MOST? What is the good news?
Who is God?
Is the good news really from God?
Why does God allow evil and suffering?
How can your family be happy?
How can you recognize true worship?
How do Bible principles benefit us?
Who is Jesus Christ?
What is God's purpose for the earth?
What hope is there for the dead?
What is God's Kingdom?
How can you draw close to God?
What is the good news about religion?
Why does God have an organization?