Posts by hippikon

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34
No Atheists in a Foxhole
by hippikon in
1. jw
2. friends
ever heard the saying that there arent any atheists in a foxhole - i think that is nonsense atheists are born in foxholes
hippikon

When things start to get tough that’s the time most people start to question God. .
34
No Atheists in a Foxhole
by hippikon in
1. jw
2. friends
ever heard the saying that there arent any atheists in a foxhole - i think that is nonsense atheists are born in foxholes
hippikon

if I understand what you're getting at then they die in foxholes too right

No offence but the reference is to the sudden need to pray when danger looms. When the bombs start dropping.
34
No Atheists in a Foxhole
by hippikon in
1. jw
2. friends
ever heard the saying that there arent any atheists in a foxhole - i think that is nonsense atheists are born in foxholes
hippikon

Ever heard the saying that there aren’t any atheists in a foxhole - I think that is nonsense
Atheists are born in foxholes
1
Watchtower Study - Aug 26
by hippikon in
1. watchtower
2. bible
these are (1) our message of hope, (2) the success of our search, and (3) our peace-making attitude as harvest workers.. 2. what contributes to the joy we experience in the figurative harvest work?.

another factor that contributes to our joy as harvest workers is the success of our search for those who become disciples and join us in the harvest work.

maintain peace in the harvest work.
hippikon

BE JOYFUL HARVEST WORKERS!

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. “—MATTHEW 9:37, 38.
WHEN we recall the day of our baptism as one of Jehovah’s servants, whether it occurred a few years ago or many, it may seem as though it took place yesterday. Praising Je-hovah became the focal point of our dedicat-ed life. As we bought out the opportune time to help others to hear and possibly accept the Kingdom message, joyful service to Jeho-vah was our major concern. (Ephesians 5:15, 16) To this day, we find that time flies when we are busy, “having plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Although we encounter problems, our joy in doing Je-hovah’s will spurs us on.—Nehemiah 8:10.
1. What helps us to press on in doing God’s will?
As Christians, we are engaged in a figu-rative harvest work. Jesus Christ likened the gathering of individuals for everlasting life to a harvest. (John 4:35-38) Since we are partic-ipating in such harvesting activity, it will be encouraging to examine the joy of the early Christian harvest workers. We will review three factors that contribute to the joy we ex-perience in today’s harvest work. These are (1) our message of hope, (2) the success of our search, and (3) our peace-making attitude as harvest workers.
2. What contributes to the joy we experience in the figurative harvest work?
Sent Forth as Harvest Workers

How the lives of early harvest work-ers—particularly Jesus’ 11 faithful apos-tles—changed on the day in 33 C.E. when they went to a mountain in Galilee to meet the resurrected Christ! (Matthew 28:16) “Up-ward of five hundred brothers” may have been present on that occasion. (1 Corinthians 15:6) The commission Jesus gave them rang in their ears. He told them: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teach-ing them to observe all the things I have com-manded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) Despite bitter persecution, they experienced much joy in the harvest work as they saw congre-gations of Christ’s followers being established in one place after another. In time, ‘the good news was being preached to all creation under heaven.’—Colossians 1:23; Acts 1:8; 16:5.
3. In what respect did Jesus’ early followers experl-ence joy?
“~ At an earlier point in his ministry in Gali-lee, Jesus had summoned the 12 apostles and had sent them forth especially to declare: “The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matthew 10:1-7) He himself had “set out on a tour of all the [Galilean] cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom and curing every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity.” Jesus felt pity for the crowds “be-cause they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:35, 36) Deeply moved, he then told his disci-ples: “Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the har-vest [Jehovah Godl to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37, 38) Jesus’ assess-ment of the need for harvest workers was the same in Judea when only six months of his earthly ministry remained. (Luke 10:2) On both occasions, he sent his followers forth as harvest workers.—Matthew 10:5; Luke 10:3.
4. Under what circumstances were Christ’s disciples sent forth?
Our Message of Hope

As Jehovah’s present-day servants, we joy-fully respond to the call for harvest workers. One factor that contributes greatly to our joy is that we take a message of hope to the downhearted and depressed. Like Jesus’ first-century disciples, what a privilege we have to declare the good news—a real message of hope—to those “skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd”!
5. What kind of message do we declare?
By the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul was busy preaching the good news. And his harvesting work was surely ef-fective, for in writing to Christians in Cor-inth in about 55 C.E., he said: “I make known to you, brothers, the good news which I declared to you, which you also received, in which you also stand.” (1 Corinthians 15:1) The apostles and other early Christians were industrious harvest workers. Although the Bi- ble does not tell us how many apostles lived through the momentous events ending inJe-rusalem’s destruction in 70 C.E., we do know that the apostle John was still preaching some 25 years later.—Revelation 1:9.
6. In what activity did the aposfles engage in the first century?
Then came centuries of dominance by Christendom’s clergy, the apostate “man of lawlessness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) Toward the end of the 19th century however, those who sought to pattern their lives on primi-tive Christianity took up the message of hope, heralding the Kingdom. In fact, since its first issue (July 1879), the title of this journal has included the words “Herald of Christ’s Pres-ence,” “Herald of Christ’s Kingdom,” or “An-nouncingJehovah’s Kingdom.”
God’s heavenly Kingdom was established in the hands of Jesus Christ in 1914, and we are now proclaiming the message of hope with more urgency than ever before. Why? Because among the blessings of Kingdom rule is the imminent end of the present wick-ed system. (Daniel 2:44) What better message could there be? And what greater joy could we have than to share in announcing the King-dom before the “great tribulation” strikes?—Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:10.
7, 8. What message of hope have Jehovah’s ser-vants been declaring with more urgency now than ever?
A Successful Search

Another factor that contributes to our joy as harvest workers is the success of our search for those who become disciples and join us in the harvest work. Back in 31-32 C.E., Jesus in-structed his disciples: “Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is de-serving.” (Matthew 10:11) Not all individu-als were deserving, as shown by their reaction to the Kingdom message. Nevertheless, Jesus’ disciples zealously preached the good news wherever people happened to be.
9. What instruction did Jesus give his disciples, and how did people react to the Kingdom message?
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the search for deserving ones continued with vig-or. Paul reasoned with the Jews in their syn-agogue and with people on hand in the mar-ketplace in Athens. When he gave a witness on the Areopagus in that Greek city, “some men joined themselves to him and became believers, among whom also were Dionysi-us, a judge of the court of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, and others be-sides them.” Wherever Paul went, he was also exemplary in preaching “publicly and from house to house.”—Acts 17:17, 34; 20:20.
10. How did Paul pursue his search for deserving ones?
During the closing decades of the 19th century, anointed Christians boldly en-gaged in the search for deserving ones. In an article entifled “Anointed to Preach,” Zion’s Watch Tower of July/August 1881 said: “The preaching of the good news. . . is going on ‘to the meek’—those willing and able to hear, in order to develop from among them the body of Christ, the joint heirs.” God’s harvest work-ers often met people as these were leaving church services and gave them tracts contain-ing Scriptural messages designed to evoke a fa-vorable response in deserving ones. After a reappraisal of the effectiveness of this meth-od of witnessing, the Watch Tower of May 15, 1903, urged harvest workers to distribute the tracts “from house to house, on Sunday forenoons.”
11. What methods for carrying out the ministry were used years ago?
In recent years, we have expanded our ministry by contacting people at places other than their homes. This has proved very effec-tive in lands where economic conditions and the pursuit of leisure activities take people away from their homes at times when we nor-mally call. When a Witness in England and her companion observed visitors leaving reg- ularly by bus after enjoying a day at the coast, they summoned up courage to board the bus-es and present copies of The Watchtower and Awake! to the passengers. In one month, they distributed 229 copies. They report: “We have no fear of sea-front witnessing, business terri-tory, or any other challenge we may come up against because we know that Jehovah is al-ways with us.” They established a magazine route, started a Bible study, and both of them have shared in the auxiliary pioneer service.
12. How have we increased the effectiveness of our preaching work? Illustrate.
As the search for deserving ones con-tinues, a careful reappraisal of our minis-try may be called for in some places. Though many Witnesses have customarily engaged in preaching from house to house on Sunday mornings, in certain areas they find that early visits to people’s homes are less effective be-cause the occupants may be resting. By adjust- ing their schedule, many Witnesses now pur-sue the search later in the day, perhaps following Christian meetings. And this search has indeed proved fruitful. Last year the num-ber of Kingdom proclaimers worldwide rose by 2.3 percent. This honors the Master of the harvest and brings joy to our hearts.
13. What adjustment in our ministry is now called for in some places?
Maintain Peace in the Harvest Work

Another reason for our joy relates to the peace-making attitude we display in the har-vest work. “When you are entering into the house,” Jesus said, “greet the household; and if the house is deserving, let the peace you wish it come upon it.” (Matthew 10:12,13) The Hebrew greeting and the correspond-ing term in Biblical Greek both convey the thought ‘May it go well with you.’ This senti-ment guides our approach to people when we preach the good news. Our hope is that they will respond favorably to the Kingdom mes-sage. For those who do, there is the pros-pect of reconciliation with God as they repent of their sins, turn around, and do his will. In turn, peace with God leads to everlasting life.—John 17:3; Acts 3:19; 13:38, 48; 2 Corinthi-ans 5:18-20.
14. With what attitude do we present our message, and why?
How can we maintain our peace when the reaction we encounter is unfavorable? Je-sus directed: “If [the house] is not deserv-ing, let the peace from you return upon you.” (Matthew 10:13) Luke’s account about the sending out of 70 disciples includes Jesus’ statement: “If a friend of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if there is not it will turn back to you.” (Luke 10:6) When we approach people with the good news, we ap-propriately do so with a pleasant disposition and in a manner that is peaceable. An apa-thetic response, a complaint, or an unkind re-mark by a householder only serves to allow our peaceful message to ‘return to us.’ But none of this robs us of peace, a fruit of Jeho-vah’s holy spirit.—Galatians 5:22, 23.
15. How can we maintain a peaceful attitude when we encounter an unfavorable reaction in our preaching work?
A Fine Goal for Harvest Workers

As harvest workers we are delighted to have a part in the gathering of people for everlasting life. And what joy we experience when a person to whom we preach responds favorably, wants to learn more, and proves to be “a friend of peace”! Perhaps he has many Bible questions and we find it impossible to answer all of them during one visit. Since a prolonged stay on the first visit may be in-appropriate, what can be done? We can have a goal like the one recommended some 60 years ago.
“All of Jehovah’s witnesses should be pre-pared to conduct model studies in the Bible.” That statement appeared in the third in a se-ries of Model Study instruction booklets pub-lished from 1937 to 1941. It went on to say: “All [Kingdom] publishers should be diligent in assisting in every way possible the people of good-will showing interest in the King-dom message. Back-calls [return visits] should be made on these persons, answering various questions.. . , and then begin a model study as soon as you possibly can.” Yes, our goal on return visits is to start a home Bible study and conduct it regularly)’ A friendly attitude and loving concern for the interested person prompt us to prepare well and conduct the study effectively.
16, 17. (a) What is our goal when making return visits? (b) How can we help those who have Bible questions?
footnote: ( Studies were organized first at locations where groups of interested people could be gathered. Soon, however, the studies were also held with individuals and families—See Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, page 574, published by Jehovah’s witnesses.)
18 With the help of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life and such bro-chures as What Does God Require of Us?, we can conduct effective home Bible studies and can thus share in assisting newly interest-ed ones to become disciples. As we seek to imitate the Great Teacher, Jesus Christ, like-ly such Bible students will also learn from our peaceful, joyful manner, our sincerity, and our respect for Jehovah’s standards and guide-lines. When we help new ones with answers to their questions, let us also do what we can to teach them how they can answer those who question them. (2 Timothy 2:1, 2; 1 Pe-ter 2:21) As figurative harvest workers, surely we can be joyful that an average of 4,766,631 home Bible studies were conducted world-wide this past service year. We are especially joyful if we personally are among the harvest workers who have a share in home Bible study activity.
18. How can we help new ones to become disciples of Jesus Christ?
Keep On Rejoicing in the Harvest

There were good reasons for joy in the harvest during Jesus’ ministry and short-ly thereafter. Many then responded favor-ably to the good news. Rejoicing was particu-larly great at Pentecost 33 C.E., for some 3,000 then accepted Peter’s direction, received Jeho-vah’s holy spirit, and became part of God’s nation of spiritual Israel. Indeed, their num-bers kept on increasing, and joy abounded as “Jehovah continued to join to them daily those being saved.”—Acts 2:37-41, 46, 47; Ga-latians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:9.
19. Why were there good reasons for joy in the har-vest during Jesus’ ministry and shortly thereafter?
At that time, Isaiah’s prophecy was prov-ing true: “You [Jehovah] have made the na-tion populous; for it you have made the re-joicing great. They have rejoiced before you as with the rejoicing in the harvesttime, as those who are joyful when they divide up the spoil.” (Isaiah 9:3) Although we now see that ‘populous nation’ of anointed ones virtually complete, our joy is abundant as we observe the number of other harvest workers growing year by year.—Psalm 4:7; Zechariah 8:23; John 10:16.
[I]20. What brings us abundant joy in our harvest work?
We certainly have sound reasons to keep on rejoicing in the harvest work. Our message of hope, our search for deserving ones, and our peace-making attitude—all of these fac-tors bring us joy as harvest workers. Yet, they prompt an adverse reaction from many. The apostle John experienced this. He was impris-oned on the island of Patmos “for speak-ing about God and bearing witness to Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9) How, then, can we maintain our joy when faced with persecution and op-position? What will help us to cope with the hardening attitude of many to whom we now preach? Our next article offers Scriptural help in answering these questions.
[I]21. What will we discuss in the following article?
How Would You Answer?

• What is the figurative harvest work?
• What kind of message do we declare?
• Why Is our search for disciples suc-cessful?
• How do we maintain peace in the harvest work?
• Why do we keep on rejoicing in the harvest?
3
WATCHTOWER JULY 1,2001 page 18-21
by hippikon in
1. watchtower
2. bible
the watchtower july 1,2001 page 18-21. .

do not let doubts destroy your faith.

one day you think you are in good health.
hippikon

THE WATCHTOWER • JULY 1,2001 page 18-21
Do Not Let Doubts Destroy Your Faith

One day you think you are in good health. The next day y feel ill. Suddenly, you have no strength or vitality. Your and your body is racked with pain. What has happened? Dangerous pathogens have breached your body’s defense systems and have attacked vital organs. Left untreated, these invading organisms may destroy your health permanently—even kill you.
OF COURSE, if you are not in good health when an infec-tion strikes, you are even more vulnerable. If, for exam-ple, your body is weakened by malnutrition, your resistance “become[s] so low that the least infection may be fatal,” says medical author Peter Wingate.
That being so, who would choose to live in famine condi-tions? Very likely, you do whatever you can to eat well and stay healthy. You probably also do all you can to avoid exposing yourself to viral or bacterial infection. Do you, however, ex-ercise the same care when it comes to remaining “healthy in faith”? (Titus 2:2) Are you, for example, alert to the danger posed by insidious doubts? These can so easily invade your mind and heart, damaging your faith and your relationship with Jehovah. Some people seem oblivious to this danger. They leave themselves vulnerable to doubts by starving them-selves spiritually. Is it possible that you might be doing that?
Doubt—Is It Always Bad?

Of course, not all doubt is bad. At times, you need to sus-pend acceptance of something till you are sure of the facts. Religious exhortations to the effect that you should just believe and should doubt nothing are dangerous and deceptive. True, the Bible says that love “believes all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) A loving Christian is certain-ly ready to believe those who have proved trustworthy in the past. But God’s Word also warns against ‘putting faith in every word.’(Prov-erbs 14:15) Sometimes a person’s past record gives le-gitimate reason for doubt. “Although [the deceptive talker] makes his voice gra-cious,” the Bible warns, “do not believe in him.”—Prov-erbs 26:24, 25.
The apostle John also warns Christians against blind belief. “Do not believe every inspired expression,” he writes. Rather, “test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God.” (1 John 4:1) An “expression,” a teach-ing or opinion, might appear to emanate from God. But did it really come from him? Exercising some doubt, or suspending belief, can be a real protection because, as the apos-tie John says, “many deceivers have gone forth into the world.”—2 John 7.
Unfounded Doubts

Yes, an honest, humble examination of the facts to establish the truth is often called for. This, however, is not the same as allowing un-founded, damaging doubts to develop in our mind and heart—doubts that can wreck our firmly established beliefs and relationships. This doubt is defined as an “uncertainty of be-lief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making.” Do you remember how Sa-tan infected Eve’s mind with doubts aboutJe-hovah? “Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?” he asked. (Genesis 3:1) The uncertainty creat-ed by that innocent-sounding question inter-fered with her decision-making. That is typi-cal of Satan’s methods. Like the so-called poison-pen letter writer, he is skilled at us-ing innuendo, half-truths, and lies. Satan has destroyed countless wholesome, trusting re-lationships through insidious doubts planted in that way.—Galatians 5:7-9.
The disciple James clearly understood the damaging effect of this kind of doubt. He writes about the wonderful privilege we have of freely approaching God for help in time of trial. But, James warns, when you do pray to God, “keep on asking in faith, not doubt-lug at all.” Doubts in our relationship with God make us “like a wave of the sea driv-en by the wind and blown about.” We be-come like “an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.” (James 1:6, 8) We develop an un-certainty of belief that leaves us floundering. Then, as happened to Eve, we become vulner-able to all sorts of demonic teachings and phi-losophies.
Maintaining Good Spiritual Health

How, then, can we protect ourselves from damaging doubts? The answer is remarkably simple: by firmly rejecting satanic propagan-da and fully availing ourselves of God’s provi-sions to make us “solid in the faith.”—l Peter 5:8-10.
Absolutely essential is good personal spir-itual feeding. Author Wingate, mentioned earlier, explains: “Even when the body is at rest it needs a continuous supply of ener-gy for chemical processes and for the work of its vital organs; and the materials of many tis-sues need constant replacement.” It is the same with our spiritual health. Without con-stant spiritual feeding, our faith, like a body deprived of food, will be progressively dam-aged and will eventually die. Jesus Christ em-phasized this when he said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.”—Matthew 4:4.
Think about that. How did we build a strong faith in the first place? “Faith follows the thing heard,” writes the apostle Paul. (Ro-mans 10:17) He means that we initially built our faith and confidence in Jehovah, his promises, and his organization by feeding on God’s Word. Of course, we did not just blind-ly believe all that we heard. We did what peo-pie living in the city of Beroea did. We ‘carefully examined the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.’ (Acts 17:
11) We ‘proved to ourselves the good and ac-ceptable and perfect will of God’ and made sure that what we had heard was true. (Ro-mans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:21) Since then, we have likely reinforced our faith as we have come to see ever more clearly that God’s Word and promises never fail.—Joshua 23:14; Isaiah 55:10, 11.
Avoid Spiritual Starvation

Now the challenge is to maintain our faith and to avoid any uncertainty of belief that can weaken our confidence in Jehovah and his organization. To do this we must contin-ue to examine the Scriptures daily. The apos-tle Paul warns that “in later periods of time some [who may initially seem to have a strong faith] will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired ut-terances and teachings of demons.” (1 Timo-thy 4:1) These misleading utterances and teachings create doubts in the minds of some and alienate them from God. What is our protection? To continue being “nourished with the words of the faith and of the fine teaching which [we] have followed closely.” —1 Timothy 4:6.
Sadly, though, some today choose not to be “nourished with the words of the faith”
—even when such nourishment is freely available. As one of the writers of the book of Proverbs indicates, it is possible to be sur-rounded by good spiritual food, a spiritual banquet, as it were, and still not actually eat and digest the food.—Proverbs 19:24; 26:15.
This is dangerous. Author Wingate says:
“As soon as the body begins to consume its own protein its health begins to suffer.” When you are starved of food, your body be-gins to use up fuel reserves stored throughout the body. When these sources are exhausted, the body begins to consume protein that is essential for continued growth and repair of tissue. Vital organs begin to break down. Your health then quickly deteriorates.
That is what happened in a spiritual sense to some in the early Christian congregation. They tried to live off their spiritual reserves. Likely, they neglected personal study, and they became spiritually weak. (Hebrews 5:12) The apostle Paul explained the danger in do-ing this when he wrote to Hebrew Christians:
“It is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us, that we may never drift away.” He knew how easy it would be to drift into bad habits if we “ne-glected a salvation of such greatness.”—He-brews 2:1, 3.
Interestingly, a person suffering from mal-nutrition does not necessarily look sickly or thin. Similarly, it may not be immediately obvious that someone is suffering from spir-itual starvation. You can have an appearance of spiritual well-being even when you are not being nourished properly—but only for a short time! You will inevitably become weak-ened spiritually, susceptible to unfounded doubts, and unable to put up a hard fight for the faith. (Jude 3) You know—even if no one else does—the true extent of your personal spiritual feeding.
Hence, keep up your personal study. Fight doubts vigorously. To ignore what ap-pears to be a trivial infection, to do noth-ing about nagging doubts, may have disas-trous consequences. (2 Corinthians 11:3) ‘Are we really living in the last days? Can you be-lieve everything the Bible says? Is this truly Jehovah’s organization?’ Satan would love to plant doubts like these in your mind. Do not let a negligent attitude toward spiritual feed-ing leave you easy prey to his deceptive teach-ings. (Colossians 2:4-7) Follow the advice giv-en to Timothy. Be a good student of “the holy writings” so that you can “continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe.”—2 Timothy 3:13-15.
You may need help to do this. The writ-er quoted earlier goes on to say: “With severe starvation the digestive organs may be so in-jured by lack of vitamins and other necessi-ties that they can no longer take up ordi-nary foods if they are provided. People in this state may need food that requires little di-gestion for some time.” Special care is need-ed to remedy the effects of starvation on the body. Similarly, someone who has grossly ne-glected his personal study of the Bible may need much help and encouragement to re-gain his spiritual appetite. If that is your sit-uation, seek help and gladly accept any assis-tance offered to rebuild your spiritual health and strength.—James 5:14, 15.
Do Not “Waver in a Lack of Faith”

Considering the circumstances of the pa-triarch Abraham, some may feel that he had legitimate grounds for doubt. It may appear quite reasonable to conclude that he was ‘beyond hope of becoming the father of many nations’—despite God’s promise. Why? Well, from a purely human point of view, things did not look promising. ‘He considered his own body, now al-ready deadened, and also the deadness of the womb of Sarah,’ the Bible record says. Still, he resolutely refused to allow doubts about God and his promises to take root in his mind and heart. The apostle Paul writes: “He did not grow weak in faith,” or waver in a lack of faith.” Abraham remained “fully convinced that what [Godj had prom-ised he was also able to do.” (Romans 4:18-21) He had built a strong, personal, trusting relationship with Jehovah over many years. He rejected any doubts that might have weak-ened that relationship.
You can do the same if you “keep hold-ing the pattern of healthful words”—if you feed yourself well spiritually. (2 Timothy 1:13) Take the danger of doubts seriously. Sa-tan engages in what might be called spiritu-al bacteriologic warfare. If you neglect to take in good spiritual food through person-al study of the Bible and through attendance at Christian meetings, you lay yourself wide open to such attacks. Make good use of the generous and timely sup-ply of spiritual food provided by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matthew 24:45) Contin-ue to “assent to healthful words” and re-main “healthy in faith.” (1 Timothy 6:3; Ti-tus 2:2) Do not allow doubts to destroy your faith.
Watchtower Study - Aug 19
by hippikon in
1. watchtower
2. bible
but while there is joy in receiv-ing a gift, there is also joy in giving one.

(a) what did jesus say about giving?

giving brings joy.
hippikon

SHARE IN THE JOY OF GIVING!

“There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving. “—ACTS 20:35.
THE joy of knowing the truth and the resulting blessings are precious gifts from God. Those who have come to know Je-hovah have many rea-sons to rejoice. But while there is joy in receiv-ing a gift, there is also joy in giving one. Je-hovah is the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect pres-ent,” and he is “the happy God.” (James 1:17; 1 Timothy 1:11) He imparts healthful teachings to all who lis-ten, and he delights in the obedience of those whom he teaches, just as parents rejoice when their children respond to loving instruction.—Proverbs 27:11.
1. How does Jehovah demonstrate the joy of giv-ing?
Similarly, when on earth Jesus was happy to see people respond positively to his teaching. The apostle Paul quoted Jesus as saying: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiv-ing.” (Acts 20:35) The happiness we receive when we teach oth-ers Bible truth is not simply the satisfaction of having someone agree with our religious beliefs. Far more than that, it is the joy of know-ing that we are giving something of genuine and lasting value. By giving spiritually, we can help people to benefit them-selves both now and through-out eternity.—1 Timothy 4:8.
2. (a) What did Jesus say about giving? (b) What happiness do we receive when we teach others Bible truth?
Giving Brings Joy

Yes, just as Jehovah and Jesus rejoice in imparting spiritual gifts, Christians do also. The apostle Paul found joy in the knowledge that he had helped others learn the truth of God’s To the congregation in lonica, he wrote: “What is our hope or joy or crown of exultation—why, is it not in fact you?—before our Lord Jesus at his presence? You certainly are our glory and joy.” (1 Thes-salonians 2:19, 20) In like manner the apostle John, referring to his spiritual children, wrote: “No greater cause for thankfulness do I have than these things, that I should be hear-ing that my children go on walking in the truth.” (3 John 4) Think, too, of the joy there is in aiding our own children to become our spiritual children! Raising children in “the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah” is an expression of love on the part of parents. (Ephesians 6:4) Parents thereby show that they are concerned about their young ones’ eternal welfare. When these respond, parents experience great joy and satisfaction.
3. (a) How did the apostles Paul and John express their joy in helping others spiritually? (b) Why is imparting Bible truth to our children an expression of love?
Dell is a full-time pioneer minister and the mother of five. She says: “I can relate very well to the apostle John’s words because I am very thankful that four of my children are ‘walking in the truth.’ I know that it brings honor and glory to Jehovah when families are united in true worship, so I feel deep satisfac-tion in seeing his blessing on my efforts to in-still the truth in my children. The beautiful prospect of endless life in Paradise with my family fills me with hope and motivates me to endure in spite of difficulties and obstacles.” Unhappily, one of Dell’s daughters was dis-fellowshipped from the congregation be-cause of pursuing an unchristian course. Still, Dell works hard to maintain a positive atti-tude. “I hope that one day my daughter will humbly and sincerely return to Jehovah,” she says. “But I thank God that most of my chil-dren continue to serve him faithfully. The joy that I feel has been a real source of strength to me.”—Nehemiah 8:10.
4. What experience demonstrates the joy of spiritu-al giving?
Making Everlasting Friends

Jesus directed his followers to make Chris-tian disciples and teach them about Jeho-vah and his requirements. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Both Jehovah and Jesus have unselfishly helped people to learn the way of the truth. So as we give of ourselves in the work of making disciples, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we are imitating the exam-ple of Jehovah and of Jesus, as did the ear-ly Christians. (1 Corinthians 11:1) When we thus cooperate with Almighty God and his beloved Son, our lives take on real meaning. What a blessing it is to be counted among God’s “fellow workers”! (1 Corinthians 3:9) And is it not thrilling that even angels have a part in this activity of preaching the good news?—Revelation 14:6, 7.
5. As we give of ourselves in the work of making dis-ciples, what knowledge gives us satisfaction?
In fact, by sharing in this work of spiritu-al giving, we can become more than fellow workers with God—we can come into an ever-lasting friendship with him. Because of his faith, Abraham was called Jehovah’s friend. (James 2:23) As we strive to do God’s will, we too can become God’s friends. If we do that, we also become friends of Jesus. He said to his disciples: “I have called you friends, be-cause all the things I have heard from my Fa-ther I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) Many rejoice to be counted friends of influential people or high officials, but we can be counted as friends of the two greatest personalities in all the universe!
6. As we share in spiritual giving, who become our friends?
Further, when we help people to come to know God, they become our friends too, bringing us special happiness. Joan, who lives in the United States, began to study the Bible with a woman named Thel- ma. Though Thelma encountered family op-position to her study, she persevered and was baptized a year later. Joan wrote: “Our asso-ciation did not end there; rather, it developed into a friendship that has lasted for about 35 years now. We have often gone in the minis-try and to conventions together. Eventually, I moved to a new home 800 kilometers away. But Thelma continues to send me the most loving and heart warming letters, telling me that she thinks of me fondly and thanking me for being her friend and example and for teaching her the truth from the Bible. Having such a near and dear friend is a wonderful re-ward for the effort I made to help her to learn about Jehovah.”
7. (a) How did one woman make a real friend? (b) Have you had a similar experience?
The prospect of finding someone who wants to learn the truth can help us endure even if many of the people we meet show lit-tle or no interest in Jehovah’s Word. Such apathy can present a challenge to our faith and endurance. Yet, a positive attitude will help us. Fausto, who comes from Guatemala, said: “When I witness to others, I think about how great it would be if the person to whom I am speaking were to become a spiritual brother or sister. I reason that at least one per-son I will meet may eventually embrace the truth of God’s Word. That thought keeps me going and brings me real joy.”
8. What positive attitude will help us in the minis-try?
Storing Up Treasures in Heaven

Making disciples, whether of our children or of other individuals, is not always easy. It may take time, patience, and perseverance. Remember, though, that many are willing to work hard to store up an abundance of ma-terial things, things that usually do not bring them joy and that do not last forever. Je-sus told his listeners that it was better to work for spiritual things. He said: “Stop stor-ing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19, 20) By pursuing spiritual goals—which include sharing in the important work of dis-ciple making—we can have the satisfaction of knowing that we are doing God’s will and that he will reward us. The apostle Paul wrote: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.”—Hebrews 6:10.
9. What did Jesus say about treasures in heaven, and what can we learn from this?
If we work diligently to make disciples, we store up for ourselves “treasures in heav-en,” in harmony with what Jesus said. This brings us the joy of receiving. If we unselfish-ly give, we end up being enriched ourselves. Jesus himself had faithfully served Jehovah for billions of years. Think of the treasures he had accumulated in heaven! Nevertheless, Jesus did not seek his own interests. The apos-tle Paul wrote: “[Jesus] gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from the present wicked system of things according to the will of our God and Father.” (Galatians 1:4) Not only did Jesus unselfishly give of himself in his ministry but he gave his very life as a ran-som so that others might have the opportu-nity to store up treasures in heaven.
10. (a) Why did Jesus have spiritual treasures? (b) How did Jesus give of himself, and with what great benefit to others?
By teaching people about God, we help them see how they too might store up imper-ishable spiritual treasures. What greater gift could you impart? If you give a friend an ex-pensive watch, a car, or even a home, that friend will likely be grateful and happy, and you will have the joy of giving. But what will be the condition of that gift in 20 years? In 200 years? In 2,000 years? On the other hand, if you give of yourself to help a per-son serve Jehovah, he or she can benefit from that gift forever
11. Why are spiritual gifts better than material ones?
Seeking Out Those Who Want the Truth

To share in the joy of spiritual giving, Je-hovah’s people have reached out to the ends of the earth. Thousands have left home and family to take up missionary ser-vice in lands where they have had to adapt to new languages and cultures. Others have moved to areas in their own coun-tries where there is a greater need for King-dom proclaimers. Still others have learned a foreign language, opening up new opportuni-ties of preaching in their own localities to im-migrant populations. For example, after rais-ing two children who are now serving at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, one couple in New Jersey, U.S.A., began pio-neering and learned Chinese. Over a three-year period, they conducted Bible studies with 74 Chinese-speaking people who attend-ed a nearby college. Are you able to expand your ministry in some way in order to find more joy in the disciple-making work?
12. How have many given of themselves to help others spiritually?
13 Perhaps you yearn to conduct a Bible study but have not been able to do so. In some lands it is difficult to find interested ones. Maybe the people you meet show no in-terest in the Bible. If that is so, perhaps you can mention your desire more often in prayer, knowing that both Jehovah and Jesus Christ are keenly interested in the work and may guide you to a sheeplike person. Seek sugges-tions from those in your congregation who are more experienced or whose ministry is more fruitful. Take advantage of the training and suggestions given at Christian meetings. Benefit from the counsel of traveling over-seers and their wives. Above all, never give up. The wise man wrote: “In the morning sow your seed and until the evening do not let your hand rest; for you are not know-ing where this will have success.” (Ecclesiastes 11:6) In the meantime, remember such faith-ful men as Noah and Jeremiah. Although very few responded positively to their preach-ing, their ministry was a success. Above all, it pleased Jehovah.
13. What might you do if you would like to have a more fruitful ministry?
Doing the Best You Can

It may be that your circumstances do not permit you to do as much as you would like to in the ministry. For example, old age may lim-it what you can do in Jehovah’s service. Still, remember what the wise man wrote: “Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31) To Jehovah, a life spent in his service is beautiful. Further, the Scriptures say: “Even to one’s old age I [Jehovah] am the same One; and to one’s gray-headedness I myself shall keep bearing up. I myself shall certainly act, that I myself may carry and that I myself may bear up and furnish escape.” (Isaiah 46:4) Our loving heavenly Father promises to sustain and support his loyal ones.
14. How does Jehovah view those who have grown old in his service?
Perhaps you are coping with sickness, op-position from an unbelieving mate, heavy family responsibilities, or some other difficult problem. Jehovah recognizes our limitations and circumstances, and he loves us for our earnest efforts to serve him. That is true even though what we do may be less than what others do. (Galatians 6:4) Jehovah knows that we are imperfect, and he is realistic in what he expects of us. (Psalm 147:11) If we do our best, we may rest assured that we are precious in God’s sight and that he will not forget our acts of faith.—Luke 21: 1-4
15. Do you believe that Jehovah understands your circumstances? Why?
Remember, too, that the disciple-making work is a group effort. No one individual makes a disciple, any more than one drop of rain nourishes a plant. True, one Witness may locate an interested person and conduct a Bi-ble study. But once that new one comes to the Kingdom Hall, the whole congregation helps him or her to recognize the truth. The warmth of the brother-hood shows the influence of God’s spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:
24, 25) Children and teenagers give stimulating comments, showing the new person that our young ones are different from the youth of the world. The sick, the infirm, and the elderly in the con-gregation teach new ones what endurance in-volves. Regardless of our age or limitations, all of us play an important part in helping new ones as their love of Bible truth deepens and they progress toward baptism. Every hour we spend in the ministry, each return visit, each conversation with an interested person at the Kingdom Hall, may seem insignificant on its own, but it is part of a mighty work that Jeho-vah is accomplishing.
16. In what way does an entire congregation share in making a disciple?
Of course, besides sharing in the impor-tant disciple-making work, we as Christians also share in the joy of giving in other ways. We can set aside funds to contribute to the support of pure worship and to help those in need. (Luke 16:9; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) We can look for opportunities to show hospitali-ty to others. (Romans 12:13) We can strive to “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Gala-tians 6:10) And in simple yet important ways, we can give to others—a letter, a telephone call, a gift, a helping hand, a word of encour-agement.
By giving, we show that we imitate our heavenly Father. We also demonstrate our brotherly love, the identifying mark of true Christians. (John 13:35) Remembering these things can help us share in the joy of giving.
17, 18. (a) In addition to engaging in the disciple-making work, how may we share in the joy of giv-ing? (b) By sharing in the joy of giving, whom do we imitate?
4
Watchtower Study - Aug 12
by hippikon in
1. watchtower
2. bible
though he had every right to cut off com-munication with humans, jehovah did not do so.

enlightenment.. 5, 6. in what ways did jehovah commu-nicate with his people before the first century c.e., and how did this bene-fit them?.

do you discern how the holy spirit has influenced your life for the better?.
hippikon

REJOICE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JEHOVAH

“Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!”—LuKE 11:28.
JEHOVAH loves humans and is deeply in-terested in their welfare. It is not surpris-ing, therefore, that he communicates with them. This communication began in the gar-den of Eden. According to Genesis 3:8, on one occasion “about the breezy part of the day,” Adam and Eve “heard the voice of Je-hovah God.” Some suggest that this implies that it was Jehovah’s custom to communi-cate with Adam at this time, possibly every day. Whatever the case, the Bible makes it clear that God had taken time not only to give instructions to the first man but also to teach him what he needed to know in order to carry out his responsibilities.—Genesis 1:28-30
1. When did Jehovah begin to communicate with humans?
.
Jehovah gave Adam and Eve life, domin-ion over the animals, and authority over the entire earth. There was but one prohibition—they were not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. Influenced by Satan, Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s com-mand. (Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:1-6) They chose to act independently, deciding for themselves what was right and what was wrong. In so doing, they foolishly cut themselves off from the guidance of their loving Creator. The consequences were disastrous for them and for their unborn offspring. Adam and Eve grew old and eventually died with no hope of a resurrection. Their descendants inherit- ed sin and its consequence, death.—Romans 5:12.
2. How did the first couple cut themselves off from the guidance of Jehovah, and with what result?
Despite the rebellion in Eden, Jehovah continued to communicate with his human creation. Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, was in danger of being overcome by sin. Jehovah warned him that he was heading for trouble and advised him to “turn to doing good.” Cain rejected this loving counsel and murdered his brother. (Genesis 4:3-8) Thus, the first three humans on earth all spurned the clear direction provided by the one who gave them life, the God who gives instruc-tion to his people so that they might benefit themselves. (Isaiah 48:17) How disappoint-ing this must have been to Jehovah!
3. Why did Jehovah communicate with Cain, and how did Cain respond?
Jehovah Reveals Himself to Men of Old

Though he had every right to cut off com-munication with humans, Jehovah did not do so. He was confident that some of Adam’s descendants would wisely heed His direc-tion. When pronouncing judgment on Adam and Eve, for example, Jehovah foretold the coming of a “seed” who would stand in op-position to the Serpent, Satan the Devil. In time, Satan would be fatally bruised in the head. (Genesis 3:15) This prophecy was a joy-ful message of hope to “those hearing the word of God and keeping it.”—Luke 11:28.
4. Regarding Adam’s descendants, of what was Je-hovah confident, and what message of hope did he
give with that in mind?
Jehovah communicated his will to faith-ful patriarchs of old, such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Job. (Genesis 6:13; Exodus 33:1; Job 38:1-3) Later, through Moses he set out an entire code of laws for the nation of Israel. The Mosaic Law benefited them in many ways. By observing it, Israel was sepa-rated from all other nations as God’s special people. God assured the Israelites that if they obeyed the Law, he would bless them not only materially but also spiritually, making them into a kingdom of priests, a holy na-tion. The Law even provided dietary and san-itary regulations that promoted good health. However, Jehovah also warned of the tragic consequences that would result from dis-obedience.—Exodus 19:5, 6; Deuteronomy 28:1-68.
In time, other inspired books were added to the Bible canon. Historical accounts told of Jehovah’s dealings with nations and peoples. Poetic books beautifully described his quali-ties. Prophetic books foretold the future out-working of Jehovah’s will. Faithful men of old carefully studied and applied these in-spired writings. One wrote: “Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway.” (Psalm 119:105) To those who were willing to listen, Jehovah provided education and
enlightenment.
5, 6. In what ways did Jehovah commu-nicate with his people before the first century C.E., and how did this bene-fit them?
The Light Becomes Brighter

By the first century, Jewish religious groups had added human traditions to the Law. The Law was misapplied, and instead of being a source of enlightenment, it became burdensome because of those traditions. (Matthew 23:2-4) However, in 29 C.E., Jesus appeared as the Messiah. His mission was not only to give his life in behalf of human-kind but also to “bear witness to the truth.” Though he performed miracles, he was pri-marily known as “the Teacher.” His teaching was like a light beaming through the spiritu-al darkness that shrouded the minds of peo-ple. Jesus himself rightly said: “I am the light of the world.”—John 8:12; 11:28; 18:37.
7. Although Jesus performed miracles, for what was he primarily known, and why?
Later were added the Gospels, four writ-ten accounts of Jesus’ life, and the book of Acts, a history of the spread of Christianity af-ter Jesus’ death. There were also the inspired letters written by Jesus’ disciples, as well as the prophetic book of Revelation. These writ-ings, combined with the Hebrew Scriptures, completed the Bible canon. With the help of this inspired library, Christians could “grasp mentally with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth” of the truth. (Ephesians 3:14-18) They could have “the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:
16) Nevertheless, those early Christians did not fully understand every aspect of Jeho-vah’s purposes. The apostle Paul wrote to fel-low believers: “At present we see in hazy outline by means of a metal mirror.” (1 Co-rinthians 13:12) Such a mirror would re-flect an outline but not all the details. A full-er comprehension of God’s Word was yet to come.
8. What inspired books were written in the first century C.E., and how did they benefit early Chris-tians?
Today, we live in an era called “the last days,” an era marked by “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) The prophet Daniel foretold that during this time “the true knowledge [would] become abundant.” (Daniel 12:4) Hence, Jehovah, the Great Communicator, has helped honesthearted ones to grasp the meaning of his Word. Mul-titudes of people now understand that Christ Jesus was enthroned in the invisible heavens in 1914. They also know that he will soon bring an end to all wickedness and transform the earth into a global paradise. This impor-tant aspect of the Kingdom good news is now being preached throughout the earth.—Mat-thew 24:14.
9. What enlightenment has occurred during “the last days”?
Yes, throughout history Jehovah has communicated his will and purpose to peo-ple on earth. The Bible record describes many who listened, applied godly wisdom, and were blessed for it. It tells of others who rejected God’s loving counsel, follow-ing the ruinous course of Adam and Eve. Je-sus illustrated this situation when he spoke of two symbolic roads. One leads to destruc-tion. Broad and spacious, it is followed by the many who reject God’s Word. The other road leads to everlasting life. Though cramped, it is the path of the few who accept the Bible for what it is, the Word of God, and live in har-mony with it.—Mafthew 7:13, 14.
10. Throughout the centuries, how have people reacted to Jehovah’s counsel?
Appreciating What We Have

Are you among those who have chosen the road to life? If so, you will no doubt want to stay on it. How can you do so? Reflect regu-larly and appreciatively on the blessings that knowing Bible truths has brought to your life. The very fact that you have responded to the good news is evidence of God’s blessing. Jesus indicated this when he prayed to his Fa-ther in these words: “I publicly praise you, Fa-ther, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes.” (Matthew 11:25) Fishermen and tax collectors got the sense of Jesus’ teaching, while highly educated religious leaders did not. Jesus further said: “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him.” (John 6:44) If you have come to know the Bible and you believe and follow its teachings, this is evidence that Jehovah has drawn you. It is reason for rejoicing.
11. Our knowledge of and belief in the Bible is evi-dence of what?
God’s Word contains liberating truths and gives enlightenment. Those who live ac-cording to Bible knowledge are freed from the superstitions, false teachings, and igno-rance that dominate the lives of millions. For example, knowing the truth about the soul frees us from any fear that the dead can harm us or that our dead loved ones are suffering. (Ezekiel 18:4) Knowing the truth about wick-ed angels helps us avoid the perils of spiritism. The teaching of the resurrection is com-forting to those who have lost loved ones in death. (John 11:25) Bible prophecies show us where we are in the stream of time and give us confidence in God’s promises for the fu-ture. They also reinforce our hope of living forever.
12. In what ways does the Bible give enlighten-ment?
The godly principles in the Bible teach us to live in a way that brings physical benefits. For example, we learn to avoid practices that defile our bodies, such as the misuse of tobac-co and other drugs. We shun alcohol abuse. (2 Corinthians 7:1) Heeding God’s moral laws serves as a protection from sexually transmitted diseases. (1 Corinthians 6:18) By observing God’s counsel to avoid the love of money, we do not destroy our peace of mind, as many have, in the pursuit of riches. (1 Tim- othy 6:10) In what ways have you benefited physically because of applying God’s Word in your life?
13.How does heeding God’s Word benefit us phys-ically?
If we live according to God’s Word, we receive Jehovah’s holy spirit. We culti-vate a Christlike personality, characterized by such appealing qualities as mercy and com-passion. (Ephesians 4:24, 32) God’s spirit also produces in us its fruitage—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control. (Galatians5:22, 23) These qualities promote hap-py and meaningful relationships with others, including family members. We gain inner strength that helps us to face hardship with courage. Do you discern how the holy spirit has influenced your life for the better?
14. What influence does the holy spirit have on our lives?
As we harmonize our lives with God’s will, we strengthen our relationship with Je-hovah. Our conviction grows that he under-stands and loves us. We learn through ex-perience that he supports us during difficult times. (Psalm 18:18) We discern that he really listens to our prayers. (Psalm 65:2) We come to rely on his guidance, confident that it will benefit us. And we have the wonderful hope that in due time God will bring his faithful ones to perfection and bestow upon them his gift of everlasting life. (Romans 6:23) “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you,” wrote the disciple James. (James 4:8) Have you felt that your relationship with Jehovah has been strengthened as you have drawn close to him?
15. As we harmonize our lives with God’s will, how do we benefit?
A Treasure Beyond Compare

Paul reminded spirit-anointed Christians of the first century that some of them had at one time been fornicators, adulterers, homo-sexuals, thieves, greedy persons, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Bible truth caused them to make ma-jor changes; they were “washed clean.” Try to imagine what your life would be like without the liberating truths you have learned from the Bible. Surely the truth is a treasure far be-yond compare. How happy we are that Jeho-vah communicates with us!
16. What changes did some first-century Christians make?
Further, think of the blessing that we have in our multiracial brotherhood! “The faithful and discreet slave” supplies spiritu-al food at the proper time, including Bibles, magazines, and other publications in a multi-tude of languages. (Matthew 24:45-47) At congregation meetings during the year 2000, Jehovah’s Witnesses in many lands reviewed highlights from eight major books of the He-brew Scriptures. They meditated on the lives of 40 Bible characters discussed in Insight on the Scriptures. They considered about one fourth of the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived and almost the entire book Pay At-tention to Daniel’s Prophecy! Thirty-six sec-ondary articles were considered from the Watch tower magazine in addition to 52 study articles. Furthermore, Jehovah’s people were nourished with 12 issues of Our Kingdom Ministry and weekly public talks on a variety of Bible subjects. What a wealth of spiritual knowledge has been made available!
17. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses been fed spiritu-ally at Christian meetings?
Throughout the world, over 91,000 con-gregations provide support and encourage-ment through meetings and association. We also enjoy the support of mature fellow Christians who are willing to help us spiritu-ally. (Ephesians 4:11-13) Yes, we have great-ly benefited by receiving a knowledge of the truth. It is a joy to know and serve Jehovah. How true are the words of the psalmist who wrote: “Happy is the people whose God is Je-hovah! “—Psalm 144:15.
18, In what ways are we helped within the Chris-tian congregation?
Do You Remember?

• With whom did Jehovah communi-cate in pre-Christian times?
• How did spiritual Ii9ht become brighter in the first century? in mod-em times?
.
• What blessings come from living according to the knowledge of Jehovah?
• Why do we rejoice In our knowledge of God?
Watchtower Study - Aug 5
by hippikon in
1. watchtower
2. bible
remain steadfast as seeing the invisible one!

[moses] continued steadfast as seeing the one who is invisible hebrews 11 27 .

jehovah is the invisible god.
hippikon

REMAIN STEADFAST AS SEEING THE INVISIBLE ONE!

“[Moses] continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible “—HEBREWS 11 27
JEHOVAH is the invisible God. When Moses asked to see His glory, Jehovah responded: “You are not able to see my face, because no man may see me and yet live.” (Exodus 33:20) And the apostle John wrote: “No man has seen God at any time.” (John 1:18) When Je-sus Christ was a man on earth, not even he could see God. In his Sermon on the Mount, however, Jesus said: “Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) What did Jesus mean?
1.What remarkable statement about God did Jesus make in his Sermon on the Mount?
The Scriptures identify Jehovah as an in-visible Spirit. (John 4:24; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17) Hence, Jesus was not saying that we humans could actually see Jeho-vah with our physical eyes. True, anointed Christians will see Jehovah God in heaven af-ter they are resurrected as spirit creatures. But humans who are “pure in heart” and have the hope of living forever on earth are also able to “see” God. How is this possible?
2. Why are we unable to see God with our physical eyes?
We learn something about Jehovah by carefully observing the things he created. We may thus be impressed by his power and be moved to acknowledge him as God the Cre-ator. (Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:11) In this regard, the apostle Paul wrote: “[God’s] in-visible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eter-nal power and Godship.” (Romans 1:20) So Jesus’ words about seeing God include the ability to perceive some of Jehovah’s quali-ties. Such seeing is based on accurate knowl-edge and is perceived spiritually with ‘the eyes of the heart.’ (Ephesians 1:18) The words and deeds of Jesus also reveal much about God. Hence, Jesus said: “He that has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9) Jesus perfectly reflected Jehovah’s personality. Thus, knowledge of Jesus’ life and teachings can help us to see, or perceive, some of God’s qualities.
3.How can humans perceive some of God’s quali-ties?
Spirituality Is Vital

Today, faith and true spirituality are rare indeed. “Faith is not a possession of all peo-ple,” said Paul. (2 Thessalonians 3:2) Many are completely engrossed in their personal pursuits and have no faith in God. Their sin-ful conduct and lack of spirituality prevent them from seeing him with eyes of under-standing, for the apostle John wrote: “He that does bad has not seen God.” (3 John 11) Because such individuals do not see God with their physical eyes, they act as if he does not see what they are doing. (Ezekiel 9:9) They look down on spiritual things, so they cannot acquire “the very knowledge of God.” (Prov-erbs 2:5) Fittingly, then, Paul wrote: “A physi-cal man does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually.”—l Corinthi-ans 2:14.
4. How is lack of spirituality manifested by many today?
If we are spiritually-minded, however, we will constantly be aware that although Jeho-vah is not a fault-finding God, he does know when we act on bad thoughts and desires. In-deed, “the ways of man are in front of the eyes of Jehovah, and he is contemplating all his tracks.” (Proverbs 5:21) If sin should over-take us, we are moved to repent and seek Je-hovah’s forgiveness because we love him and do not want to pain him.—Psalm 78:41; 130:3.
5. Spiritually-minded people are aware of what fact?p
What Makes Us Steadfast?

Although Jehovah is invisible to our eyes, let us always remember that we are visible to him. Awareness of his existence and conviction that he is near to all those calling upon him will help make us steadfast - firm and unmovable in our faithfulness to him. (Psalm 145:18) We can be like Moses, of whom Paul wrote: “By faith he left Egypt, but not fearing the anger of the king, for he con-tinued steadfast as seeing the One who is in-visible.”—Hebrews 11:27.
6. What does it mean to be steadfast?
In carrying out his God-given commis-sion to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, Moses often appeared before ty-rannical Pharaoh in a royal court teeming with religious and military magnates. Likely, the palace walls were lined with idols. But Je-hovah, though invisible, was real to Moses, unlike all the idols representing the lifeless gods of Egypt. No wonder Moses was not in-timidated by Pharaoh!
8 What gave Moses the courage to ap-pear before Pharaoh repeatedly? The Scrip-tures tell us that “the man Moses was by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground.” (Numbers 12:3) Clearly, his strong spirituality and the convic-tion that God was with him gave Moses the strength needed to represent ‘the invisi-ble One’ before Egypt’s ruthless king. What are some ways in which those who “see” the invisible God manifest their faith in him today?
7~ 8. What accounted for Moses’ courage before Pharaoh?
One way to manifest faith and continue steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible is by preaching courageously despite persecu-tion. Jesus warned his disciples: “You will be objects of hatred by all people because of my name.” (Luke 21:17) He also told them: “A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) True to Jesus’ words, soon after his death, his followers suffered persecu-tion in the form of threats, arrests, and beat-ings. (Acts 4:1-3, 18-21; 5:17,18,40) Although there was a wave of persecution, Jesus’ apos-tles and other disciples kept on preaching the good news with boldness.—Acts 4:29-31.
9. What is one way that we can continue steadfast?
Like Moses, Jesus’ early followers were not intimidated by their many visible ene-mies. Jesus’ disciples had faith in God, and as a result, they were able to endure the severe persecution they experienced. Yes, they con-tinued steadfast as seeing the One who is in-visible. Today, a constant awareness of Jeho-vah’s protective care emboldens us, giving us courage and fearlessness in our Kingdom-preaching work. God’s Word says that “trem-bling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected.” (Proverbs 29:25) Consequently, we do not shrink back in fear of persecution; neither are we ashamed of our ministry. Our faith moti-vates us to witness courageously to neigh-bors, workmates, schoolmates, and others.—Romans 1:14-16.
10 How does our confidence in Jehovah’s protec-tive care help us in the ministry?
The Invisible One Directs His People

Faith helps us to see Jehovah as the one directing his earthly organization. We thus avoid having a critical attitude toward those shouldering responsibility in the congrega-tion. Both the apostle Peter and Jesus’ half brother Jude warned of certain ones who were so bereft of spirituality that they spoke abusively of men taking the lead among Christians. (2 Peter 2:9-12; Jude 8) Would such faultfinders have spoken in that way in the presence of Jehovah if he had been physi-cally visible to them? Hardly! But because God is invisible, those fleshly men failed to consider their accountability to him.
11 According to Peter and Jude, how did some who were associated with the Christian congregation manifest a lack of spirituality?
True, the Christian congregation is made up of imperfect humans. Those who serve as elders make mistakes that at times may affect us personally. Nevertheless, Jehovah is using such men as shepherds of his flock. (1 Peter 5:
1,2) Spiritually-minded men and women rec-ognize that this is one means by which Je-hovah directs his people. Therefore, as Chris-tians, we avoid a critical, complaining spirit and show respect for God’s theocratic ar-rangements. By being obedient to those tak-ing the lead among us, we show that we see the One who is invisible.—Hebrews 13:17.
12. What attitude should we display toward those who take the lead in the congregation?
Seeing God as Our Grand Instructor 13 There is another area that requires spiri-tual perception. Isaiah prophesied: “Your eyes must become eyes seeing your Grand Instruc-tor.” (Isaiah 30:20) It takes faith to recog-nize that Jehovah is the one teaching us through his earthly organization. (Matthew 24:45-47) Seeing God as our Grand Instructor means more than maintaining good Bible-study habits and attending Christian meet-ings regularly. It means taking full advantage of God’s spiritual provisions. For instance, we need to pay more than the usual attention to the guidance that Jehovah provides through Jesus so that we do not drift away spiritually.
—Hebrews 2:1.
Sometimes it takes special effort to derive full benefit from spiritu-al food. For example, we may tend to skim over cer-tain Bible accounts that we find difficult to under-stand. When reading the Watclitower and Awake! magazines, perhaps we even skip certain articles because the subject matter is not of particular interest to us. Or we may allow our minds to wander at Chris-tian meetings. However, we can remain alert if we reason carefully on the points under consideration. Our deep appreciation for the spiritual instruction we receive shows that we recognize Jehovah as our Grand Instructor.
13, 14. What does seeing Jehovah as the Grand In-structor mean to you?
We Must Render an Account

Especially because wickedness is so prev-alent in this “time of the end,” faith in the One who is invisible is vital. (Daniel 12:4) Dishonesty and sexual immorality run ram-pant. Of course, it is wise to remember that Jehovah observes our actions even when hu-mans are unable to see us. Some have lost awareness of this fact. When others do not see them, they may engage in unscriptural conduct. For instance, some have not resist-ed the temptation to view harmful enter-tainment and pornography on the Internet, television, and other forms of modern tech-nology. Since involvement in such things can take place in private, some have acted as though their conduct were invisible to Jehovah.
15. How have some acted as though they were in-visible to Jehovah?
It is good to bear in mind the apos-tle Paul’s words: “Each of us will render an account for himself to God.” (Romans 14:12) We need to be aware that every time we sin, we are sinning against Jehovah. Knowing this should help us to comply with his lofty stan-dards and to avoid unclean conduct. The Bi-ble reminds us: “There is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.” (He-brews 4:13) True, we must render an account to God, but surely it is our deep love for Jeho-vah that is the principal reason why we do his will and abide by his righteous standards. Let us therefore exercise discretion in such mat-ters as our choice of entertainment and our conduct with the opposite sex.
16. What should help us to comply with Jehovah’s lofty standards?

Jehovah is keenly interested in us, but that does not mean that he is waiting for us to make mistakes so that he can punish us. Rather, he observes us with loving con-cern, like that of a father who wants to re-ward his obedient children. How comfort-ing it is to know that our heavenly Father is pleased by our faith and is “the reward-er of those earnestly seeking him”! (Hebrews 11:6) May we exercise implicit faith in Jeho-vah and “serve him with a complete heart.”
—1 Chronicles 28:9.
17. With what kind of interest does Jehovah ob-serve us
Proverbs 15:3 says: “The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, keeping watch upon the bad ones and the good ones.” Yes, God keeps watch upon bad people and deals with them according to their conduct. However, if we are among “the good ones,” we can be sure thatJehovah takes note of our acts of faithful-ness. How faith-strengthening it is to know that ‘our labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord’ and that the one who is invisi-ble will not ‘forget our work and the love we have shown for his name’!—l Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 6:10.
18. Because Jehovah observes us and notes our faithfulness, what assurance do we receive from the Scriptures?
Inviting Jehovah to Examine Us

As Jehovah’s faithful servants, we are pre-cious to him. (Matthew 10:29-31) Although he is invisible, he can be real to us, and we can cherish our precious relationship with him. Having such an attitude toward our heavenly Father brings us many benefits. Our strong faith helps us to have a clean heart and a good conscience before Jehovah. Faith without hypocrisy also prevents us from leading a double life. (1 Timothy 1:5, 18, 19) Our unwavering faith in God sets a good ex-ample and can have a positive effect on those around us. (1 Timothy 4:12) Moreover, such faith promotes godly conduct, making Jeho-vah’s heart rejoice.—Proverbs 27:11.
19. What are some of the benefits resulting from strong faith in Jehovah?
If we are truly wise, we are glad to have Jehovah keep watch over us. Not only do we want him to see us but we also desire that he make a thorough examination of our thoughts and actions. In prayer, we do well to invite Jehovah to search through us and dis-cern whether we have any improper inclina-tions. He can certainly help us to cope with our problems and to make any needed ad-justments. Appropriately, the psalmist David sang: “Search through me, 0 God, and know my heart. Examine me, and know my disqui-eting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.”—Psalm 139:23, 24.
David pleaded that Jehovah search through him to see if there was any “pain ful way” in him. Like the psalmist, do we not yearn for God to search our hearts and see whether we have improper motives? In faith, then, let us ask Je-hovah to examine us. But what if we are troubled by anxiety over some error or there is something hurt-ful within us? Then let us continue to pray earnestly to our loving God, Jehovah, and humbly sub-mit to the direction of his holy spirit and the counsel of his Word. We can be confident that he will come to our assistance and will help us to pursue a course that will lead to everlasting life.—Psalm 40:11-13.
20, 21. (a) Why is it desirable to have Jehovah’s watchful eye upon us? (b) How may we apply Psalm 139:23, 24 to ourselves?[I]
Yes, Jehovah will bless us with eternal life if we meet his requirements. Of course, we must acknowledge his power and authori-ty, even as the apostle Paul did when he wrote: “To the King of eternity, incorrupt-ible, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17) May we always display such heartfelt rev-erence for Jehovah. And come what may, let us never waver in our determination to con-tinue steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible.
[I]22. What should be our determination with respect to the One who is invisible?
How Would You Answer?
• How is it possible for humans to see God?
• If Jehovah is real to us, how will we act when persecuted?
• What does it mean to see Jehovah as our Grand Instructor?
• Why should we desire that Jehovah examine us?
8
Watchtower Study - July 29
by hippikon in
1. watchtower
2. bible
do not become forgetful hearers .

unlike the israelites in the wilderness, je-hovahs people today enjoy gods approval.

they have become forgetful hearers.
hippikon

DO NOT BECOME FORGETFUL HEARERS

“Become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. “—JAMES 1:22.
UNFORGETTABLE” would be a good word to describe the miracles per-formed by Jehovah in ancient Egypt. Each one of the Ten Plagues was undeniably awe-some. Those blows were followed by the amazing deliverance of the people of Israel through the parted waters of the Red Sea. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12) If you had been an eyewitness of those events, hopefully you would never have forgotten the One respon-sible for them. Yet, the psalmist sang: “They [the Israelites] forgot God their Sav-ior, the Doer of great things in Egypt, wonder-ful works in the land of Ham, fear-inspiring things at the Red Sea.”—Psalm 106:21, 22.
1. What miracles were the people of ancient Israel privileged to witness?
After crossing the Red Sea, the Israel-ites “began to fear Jehovah and to put faith in Jehovah.” (Exodus 14:31) The men of Isra-el joined Moses in a victory song to Jehovah, and Miriam and other women responded by playing tambourines and dancing. (Exodus 15:1, 20) Yes, God’s people were impressed with Jehovah’s mighty acts. But their appre-ciation for the One who performed those acts was short-lived. Soon afterward many of them behaved as though they had suffered a major memory loss. They became murmurers and complainers against Jehovah. Some en-gaged in idolatry and sexual immorality.—Numbers 14:27; 25:1-9.
2.What shows that Israel’s appreciation for God’s mighty acts was short-lived?
What Could Make Us Forget?

Israel’s lack of appreciation is indeed per-plexing. Still, the same thing could happen to us. True, we have not witnessed such divine miracles. In our relationship with God, how-ever, there surely have been occasions that were unforgettable. Some of us may remem-ber when we accepted the truth from the Bi-ble. Other joyful times may include our prayer of dedication to Jehovah and our wa-ter baptism as true Christians. Many of us have experienced Jehovah’s helping hand at other points in our life. (Psalm 118:15) Above all, through the sacrificial death of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, we have received the hope of salvation. (John 3:16) Nevertheless, be-cause of our imperfect nature, when faced with wrong desires and the anxieties of life, we may too easily forget the good things that Jehovah has done for us.
3. Because of our imperfect nature, what could we forget?
In his letter to fellow Christians, Jesus’ half brother James warned about the danger of being forgetful hearers. He wrote: “Become doers of the word, and not hearers only, de-ceiving yourselves with false reasoning. For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, and off he goes and immediately forgets what sort of man he is.” (James 1:22-24) What did James mean by those words?
When we get up in the morning, we usu-ally look in the mirror to see what adjust-ments we need to make to our appearance. As we engage in various activities and the mind focuses on other things, we stop thinking about what we saw in the mirror. This can happen in a spiritual sense too. As we look into the Word of God, we can compare what we are with what Jehovah expects us to be. Hence, we come face-to-face with our weak-nesses. This knowledge should motivate us to make adjustments in our personality. But as we go about our daily activities and struggle with our problems, we can easily stop think-ing about spiritual matters. (Matthew 5:3; Luke 21:34) It is as if we forget God’s loving acts in our behalf. If this should happen, we become vulnerable to sinful inclinations.
4,.5. (a) How does James warn about the danger of being forgetful hearers? (b) How can we apply James’ illustration of the man and the mirror?
In his first inspired letter to the Corinthi-ans, the apostle Paul refers to the forgetful Is-raelites in the wilderness. Just as first-century Christians benefited from Paul’s words, re-viewing what he wrote can help us not to for-get Jehovah’s word. Let us therefore consider 1 Corinthians 10:1-12.
6.What Scriptural consideration can help us not to forget Jehovah’s word?
Repudiate Worldly Desires

What Paul says about the Israelites serves as a warning for Christians. In part, Paul writes: “I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea and all got baptized into Moses by means of the cloud and of the sea.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) The people of Israel in Moses’ day had seen great manifestations of God’s power, includ-ing God’s miraculous pillar of cloud that led them by day and that helped them to escape through the Red Sea. (Exodus 13:21; 14:21, 22) Yes, those Israelites received undeniable evi-dence of Jehovah’s love for them.
7. What undeniable evidence of Jehovah’s love did the Israelites receive?
S
“Nevertheless,” Paul continues, “on most of them God did not express his approval, for they were laid low in the wilderness.” (1 Co-rinthians 10:5) How sad! Most of the Israelites who left Egypt disqualified themselves from entering the Promised Land. Disapproved by God for their lack of faith, they died in the wil-derness. (Hebrews 3:16-19) What can we learn from this? Paul says: “These things became our examples, for us not to be persons desiring injurious things, even as they desired them.”—1 Corinthians 10:6.
8. What were the consequences of Israel’s spiritual forgetfulness?
The Israelites had plenty to keep them spir-itually focused while in the wilderness. They entered into a covenant with Jehovah and be-came a nation dedicated to him. Moreover, they were given a priesthood, a tabernacle as a center of worship, and a provision for offer-ing sacrifices to Jehovah. Rather than rejoic-ing over these spiritual gifts, however, they al-lowed themselves to become dissatisfied with God’s material provisions.—Numbers 11:4-6.
9. How had Jehovah provided for his people, and how did Israel react?
Unlike the Israelites in the wilderness, Je-hovah’s people today enjoy God’s approval. As individuals, though, it is vital that we keep God in our thoughts. Doing so will help us to reject selfish cravings that could cloud our spiritual vision. We must be determined “to repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind and righteous-ness and godly devotion amid this present sys-tem of things.” (Titus 2:12) Those of us who since infancy have been associated with the Christian congregation should never think that we are missing out on something good. Should such thoughts ever cross our minds, we do well to remember Jehovah and the wonderful blessings he has in store for us.—He-brews 12:2, 3.
10. Why should we always keep God in our thoughts?
Total Obedience to Jehovah

Paul gives us another word of caution when he writes: “Neither become idolaters, as some of them did; just as it is written: ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and they got up to have a good time.’” (1 Corinthians 10:7) Paul is referring to the occasion when the Is-raelites prevailed upon Aaron to make a gold-en calf. (Exodus 32:1-4) Although it is un-likely that we would turn to outright idol worship, we could become idolaters by al-lowing our own selfish desires to distract us from worshiping Jehovah whole-souled.—Co-lossians 3:5.
On another occasion, Paul wrote about some who were concerned mainly with mate-rial things rather than with spiritual matters. Concerning those “walking as the enemies of the torture stake of the Christ,” he wrote:
“Their finish is destruction, and their god is their belly.” (Philippians 3:18, 19) The object of their idolatry was not a carved image. It was their desire for physical things. Of course, not all desires are wrong. Jehovah created us with human needs and the ability to enjoy various pleasures. But those who place the pursuit of pleasure above their relationship with God do, indeed, become idolaters.—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
11, 12. How could a person become guilty of idol-atry without engaging in the veneration of images?
After they left Egypt, the Israelites made a golden calf to worship. In addition to the warning against idolatry, there is another im-portant lesson in this account. The Israelites disobeyed clear direction from Jehovah. (Exo-dus 20:4-6) Yet, they did not intend to reject Jehovah as their God. They made sacrifices to the molten calf and called the occasion “a festival to Jehovah.” Somehow they deceived themselves into thinking that God would ig-nore their disobedience. This was an insult to Jehovah, and it angered him greatly.—Exodus 32:5, 7-10; Psalm 106:19, 20.
13. What can we learn from the account of the golden calf?
It would be very unusual for one of Jeho-vah’s Witnesses to join a false religion. While remaining in the congregation, however, some might reject Jehovah’s direction in oth-er ways. The people of Israel had no excuse for becoming forgetful hearers. They heard the Ten Com-mandments and were present when Moses gave them God’s command: “You must not make along with me gods of silver, and you must not make gods of gold for yourselves.” (Exodus 20:18, 19, 22, 23) Still, the Israelites worshiped the golden calf.
We too would have no valid excuse if we were to be-come forgetful hearers. In the Scriptures, we have direction from God regarding many areas of life. For example, Je-hovah’s Word specifically condemns the practice of bor-rowing and not paying back. (Psalm 37:21) Children are commanded to be obedient to their parents, and fathers are ex-pected to bring up their children in the “mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Ephesians 6:1-4) Single Christians are instructed to mar-ry “only in the Lord,” and married servants of God are told: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be with-out defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (1 Corinthians 7:39; Hebrews 13:4) If we are determined not to become for-getful hearers, we will take these and other di-rectives from God very seriously and will com-ply with them.
14, 15. (a) Why did the Israelites have no excuse for becoming forgetful hearers? (b) If we are deter-mined not to become forgetful hearers, what will we do with regard to Jehovah’s commandments?
Jehovah did not accept the Israelites’ at-tempt to worship him on their own terms. Rather, 3,000 were destroyed, probably for the prominent role they played in the rebellious action of worshiping the golden calf. Other wrongdoers suffered a plague from Jehovah. (Exodus 32:28, 35) What a lesson for any who read God’s Word but choose for themselves what they want to obey!
16. What were the consequences of worshiping the golden calf?
“Flee From Fornication”

One area wherein fleshly desires can in-duce spiritual forgetfulness is brought up by Paul when he says: “Neither let us practice for-nication, as some of them committed forni-cation, only to fall, twenty-three thousand of them in one day.” (1 Corinthians 10:8) Here Paul refers to an incident on the Plains of Moab at the end of Israel’s 40-year trek through the wilderness. The Israelites had re-cently received Jehovah’s help in conquering lands east of the Jordan, but many proved to be forgetful and unappreciative. At the border of the Promised Land, they were enticed into sexual immorality and the unclean worship of the Baal of Peor. Some 24,000 were destroyed, 1,000 of whom were ringleaders.—Num-bers 25:9.
17. To what event was 1 Corinthians 10:8 referring?
Jehovah’s people today are well-known for their high moral standards. But when tempted with sexual immorality, some Chris-tians have stopped thinking about God and his principles. They have become forgetful hearers. At first, the temptation may not in-volve an act of fornication. It may be an incli-nation to delve into pornography, to indulge in improper jesting or flirting, or to pursue close association with morally weak individ-uals. All of these things have led Chris-tians into sinful conduct.—1 Corinthians 15:
33; James 4:4.
18. What kind of conduct can lead to sexual immo-rality?
If tempted to engage in immoral conduct, we must not stop thinking about Jehovah. Rather, we must observe the reminders in his Word. (Psalm 119:1, 2) As Christians, most of us do our utmost to remain morally clean, but doing what is right in God’s eyes calls for con-tinuous effort. (1 Corinthians 9:27) To Chris-tians in Rome, Paul wrote: “Your obedience has come to the notice of all. I therefore rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise as to what is good, but innocent as to what is evil.” (Ro-mans 16:19) Just as the 24,000 Israelites were executed for their sins, fornicators and other wrongdoers will soon experience Jehovah’s adverse judgment. (Ephesians 5:3-6) Instead of becoming forgetful hearers, then, we must continue to “flee from fornication.”—l Corin-thians 6:18.
19. What Scriptural counsel helps us to “flee from fornication”?
Always Appreciate Jehovah’s Provisions

The vast majority of Christians never suc-cumb to sexual immorality. Yet, we need to be careful that we do not allow ourselves to pur-sue a course that leads to a pattern of mur-muring that could result in divine disapprov-al. Paul admonishes us: “Neither let us put Jehovah to the test, as some of [the Israel-ites] put him to the test, only to perish by the serpents. Neither be murmurers, just as some of them murmured, only to perish by the de-stroyer.” (1 Corinthians 10:9, 10) The Israel-ites murmured against Moses and Aaron yes, even against God himself—complaining about the miraculously provided manna. (Numbers 16:41; 21:5) Was Jehovah less of-fended by their murmuring than by their for-nication? The Bible account shows that many murmurers were killed by serpents. (Numbers 21:6) On an earlier occasion, more than 14,700 rebellious murmurers were destroyed. (Numbers 16:49) So let us not put Jehovah’s patience to the test by treating his provisions with disrespect.
20.How did the Israelites put Jehovah to the test, and what was the result?
In writing to fellow Christians, Paul con-cludes the list of warnings with the exhor-tation: “Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the sys-tems of things have arrived. Consequently let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:11, 12) Like the Israelites, we have received many blessings from Jehovah. Unlike them, however, may we never forget and fail to appreciate the good things God is doing for us. When life’s anxi-eties weigh us down, let us reflect on the won-derful promises found in his Word. May we remember our precious relationship with Je-hovah and continue to do the Kingdom preaching work that has been entrusted to us. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Such a course is sure to bring us true happiness, for the Scrip-tures promise: “He who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and who persists in it, this man, because he has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, will be happy in his doing it.”—James 1:25.
21. (a) What exhortation was Paul inspired to write? (b) According to James 1:25, how can we be truly happy?
How Would You Answer?
• What could make us forgetful hearers?
• Why is total obedience to God essential?
• How can we “flee from fornication”?
• What should be our attitude toward Jehovah’s provisions?
11
Smurf at the KH
by hippikon in
1. jw
2. friends
so on sunday i decided to put the smurf thing to the test.

the plan was to take a smurf to the kingdom hall for the public talk & watchtower.

if the smurf gets up and walks out all by itself then i know they are daemons and i should repent in sack cloth and ashes dedicating my life to god.
hippikon

So on Sunday I decided to put the Smurf thing to the test. The plan was to take a Smurf to the Kingdom Hall for the Public Talk & Watchtower. If the Smurf gets up and walks out all by itself then I know they are daemons and I should repent in sack cloth and ashes dedicating my life to God. So what happened – Little bastard sat there like a perfect JW. Even answered up during the watchtower. Cheeky little shit even winked at me!

"God was evolutions biggest mistake"
Hippikon

hippikon

Posts by hippikon

Atheists are born in foxholes

BE JOYFUL HARVEST WORKERS!

Sent Forth as Harvest Workers

Our Message of Hope

A Successful Search

Maintain Peace in the Harvest Work

A Fine Goal for Harvest Workers

Keep On Rejoicing in the Harvest

How Would You Answer?

Do Not Let Doubts Destroy Your Faith

Doubt—Is It Always Bad?

Unfounded Doubts

Maintaining Good Spiritual Health

Avoid Spiritual Starvation

Do Not “Waver in a Lack of Faith”

SHARE IN THE JOY OF GIVING!

Giving Brings Joy

Making Everlasting Friends

Storing Up Treasures in Heaven

Seeking Out Those Who Want the Truth

Doing the Best You Can

REJOICE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JEHOVAH

Jehovah Reveals Himself to Men of Old

The Light Becomes Brighter

Appreciating What We Have

A Treasure Beyond Compare

Do You Remember?

REMAIN STEADFAST AS SEEING THE INVISIBLE ONE!

Spirituality Is Vital

What Makes Us Steadfast?

The Invisible One Directs His People

We Must Render an Account

Inviting Jehovah to Examine Us

How Would You Answer?

DO NOT BECOME FORGETFUL HEARERS

What Could Make Us Forget?

Repudiate Worldly Desires

Total Obedience to Jehovah

“Flee From Fornication”

Always Appreciate Jehovah’s Provisions

How Would You Answer?

"God was evolutions biggest mistake"