Page 4: One of the most important principles of human relations is called the Golden Rule: "Always treat others as you would like them to treat you." Treating others with respect, dignity, and kindness encourages them to treat you the same way. Kind behavior can neutralize an atmosphere of friction and stress. If you become known for your considerate behavior toward others, you are likely to gain their recognition and acceptance. Does it not make you feel good to be accepted by others? - Matthew 7:12, Revised English Bible.
Note: Have you been accepted by God? Are you focused on Jesus Christ?
Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
John 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned."
Page 7: The Bible states that these critical times would occur "in the last days," before major changes are brought on all human society. These changes will affect everyone, young and old alike. What sort of changes? A heavenly government will shortly take over the rulership of human affairs, and subjects will enjoy "the abundance of peace" everywhere. "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." Feelings of anxiety and alarm will belong to the past. - Psalm 37:11, 29.
Note: The Watch Tower is not focused upon the "good news" of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
Page 7: Only the Bible gives reliable insight into the future. When a young person knows what to expect over the next few years, he can prepare for developments and feel secure and more in control of his life. This feeling reduces stress and anxiety. In this way the special need of the younger generation - to understand society and to know what the future will bring - is addressed in the Bible.
Note: The Watch Tower is not focused upon the "good news" of Jesus Christ.
Acts 1:6-8 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Note: Are you a Jesus Witness?
Page 7: As we have seen, the Bible can help a young person to make a success of his younger years. Many youths have already discovered this to be the case in their own lives. They read God's Word daily and apply what they learn. (See "Tip From a Young Servant of Jehovah," on page 6.) Indeed, the Bible is truly a book for young people today because it can help them to "be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Note: The Watch Tower is not focused upon the "good news" of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Page 8: JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES in Germany gained a landmark victory at the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe. They thus took an important step in connection with their recognition.
Correction: True Christians do not strive for recognition from people but from God.
Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Page 8: Jehovah's Witnesses have been active in Germany for over 100 years. They survived bitter persecution at the hands of two 20th-century dictatorships - the National Socialists and the Communists.
Note: True Christians will be persecuted for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Mark 13:13 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake."
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses suffered needlessly for the Watch Tower.
Page 8: Since 1990, the Witnesses have sought to attain legal recognition as a corporation of public law. Following two favorable court verdicts and one reversal, the Witnesses appealed to the Federal Constitution Court, which announced its ruling on December 19, 2000.
Correction: True Christians do not strive for recognition from people but from God.
1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
Page 8: The court also observed that when Witnesses practice "Christian neutrality," they do "not attack the principle of democracy" and do "not wish to replace democracy with another for of government."
Note: The Watch Tower teaches that democracy is evil. The court was duped by WT attorneys.
WT 10/01/00 Page 5: Ruling from heaven, this Kingdom will be earth's sole government. (Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14) It will act quickly against anyone who attempts to reintroduce evil.
Page 8: The court further noted that a believer - whether a Witness or someone of another faith - could at times find himself in a situation where the demands of the State and the requirements of his faith are at odds. Should the individual follow his conscience by "obeying the tenets of faith more that the law," the State might view this as being justified and within the scope of religious freedom. - Acts 5:29.
Note: True Christians will be persecuted for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Acts 5:40-41 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Page 8: The court ruling hit the headlines. There was hardly a newspaper in Germany that did not contain a report on the case. All major television and radio stations broadcast reports or interviews. Never before has the Jehovah been given such wide publicity in Germany.
Note: The Watch Tower is not focused upon the "good news" of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God (which person?) the Father through Him.
Page 9: Man's wisdom, however, has not illuminated people's lives as expected. Many today are seeking enlightenment from a different source. For some 90 years now, Jehovah's Witnesses have been "shining as illuminators" in Paris. (Philippians 2:15)
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are false religious illuminators.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Jehovah), to the glory of God (which person?) the Father.
Page 12: How does she view the privilege she has to share the truth with others? "At first the preaching work was hard because I'm shy. Still, when I read the Bible, it galvanizes me. I can't rest, doing nothing." That attitude characterizes many Witnesses in Paris, who have "plenty to do in the work of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Note: The Watch Tower is not focused upon the "good news" of Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 13: Many in Paris greatly appreciate spiritual light, and they are glad that Kingdom publishers are shining brightly as illuminators. It is as Jesus declared: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few." (Matthew 9:37) The determined spirit of Jehovah's Witnesses in overcoming the challenges of preaching in the city has made Paris a City of Light in a special sense, to Jehovah's praise.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are false religious illuminators.
Mat 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."
Page 14: HE WAS the forefather of a mighty nation, a prophet, a businessman, a leader. Yet, among Christians today, he is best remembered for the quality that moved Jehovah God to view him as a friend - his unwavering faith. (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23) His name was Abraham, and the Bible calls him "the father of all those having faith." - Romans 4:11.
Note: Faith should not be confused with good works for salvation.
Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Page 14: Did not men before Abraham, such as Abel, Enoch, and Noah, show faith? Yes, but it is with Abraham that the covenant was made to bless all nations of the earth. (Genesis 22:18) He thus became the figurative father of all who would put faith in the promised Seed.(Galatians 3:8)
Note: Have you put your faith in your works or Jesus Christ?
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Page 14: In a sense, Abraham can be considered our father, for his faith serves as an example to be imitated. His whole life may be viewed as an expression of faith, for it consisted of numerous tests and trials.
Correction: Faith should not be confused with good works for salvation.
Galatians 3:5-7 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?; just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
Pages 14-15: Whatever the case, Abram was not a practicer of degrading false worship. His aged forefather Shem was still alive and no doubt shared his knowledge of the true God. As a result, Abram put faith in Jehovah, not Nanna! - Galatians 3:6.
Note: True Christians put their faith in Jesus Christ. Have you?
Galatians 2:15-16 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."
Note: Faith should not be confused with good works for salvation.
Page 15: Abram's faith was to be put to the test. God appeared to him and commanded: "Go your way out of your country and from your relatives and from the house of your father to the country that I shall show you; and I shall make a great nation out of you and I shall bless you and I will make your name great; and prove yourself a blessing.
Note: Jesus Christ as Jehovah appeared to Abraham.
John 1:18 No one has seen God (the Father) at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He (the Father) has declared Him (the Son).
Page 16: Christians today may face similar tests. Like Abram, we may feel pressure to put material interests ahead of theocratic concerns. (1 John 2:16)
Note: Are you focused on Jesus Christ or are you denying Him to be God?
1 John 2:23-24 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.
Page 16: Abram thus set a fine example for us. He put friendship with Jehovah ahead of everything - even family ties. He did not know exactly how, when, or where God's promises would be fulfilled.
Note: Are you a friend of Jesus Christ?
John 15:14 "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."
Page 16: What a fine encouragement this is to put the Kingdom first in our own lives today!
Correction: True Christians put Jesus Christ first in their lives.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Page 16: What about Abram's immediate family members? Evidently, Abram's faith and conviction had a dramatic effect on them, for both his wife, Sarai, and his orphaned nephew named Lot were moved to obey God's call and leave Ur. Abram's brother Nahor and some of his offspring later left Ur and took up residence in Haran, where they worshiped Jehovah.
Correction: God ordered Abraham out of Haran.
Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you."
Page 16: Why, even Abram's father, Terah, agreed to leave with his son! The Bible thus credits him, as family head, with making the move toward Canaan. (Genesis 11:31)
Correction: Terah was a hindrance to the fulfillment of God's plan for Abraham.
Genesis 11:31 And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram's wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there.
Page 16: Might we too enjoy a measure of success if we tactfully witness to our relatives?
Correction: Christians will generally have problems from family members over Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:35-36 "For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law' and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'"
Page 17: Abram settled down in Haran, likely doing so out of consideration for his aged father, Terah. (Leviticus 19:32) Many Christians today likewise have the privilege of caring for aging or sick parents, some even having to make an adjustment in order to do so.
Correction: True Christians put Jesus Christ first in their lives.
Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
Page 17: While God does not promise wealth to all his people today, he is faithful to his promise to provide for the needs of those who 'leave homes, brothers, or sisters' for the sake of the Kingdom. (Mark 10:29, 30)
Correction: True Christians put Jesus Christ first in their lives. Do you want eternal life?
Mark 10:29-30 So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time; houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life."
Page 18: Abram had left behind a prosperous city. Yet, he could now envision "the city having real foundations," a righteous government over mankind. (Hebrews 11:10) Yes, with but scant information, Abram had begun to perceive the outline of God's purpose to redeem dying humankind. Today, we are blessed to have a far more extensive understanding of God's purposes that did Abram. (Proverbs 4:18) The "city," or Kingdom government, for which Abram hoped is now a reality - established in the heavens since 1914. Should we not, therefore, be moved to acts of faith and trust in Jehovah?
Correction: Dying humanity is redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:13-14 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Note: Jesus Christ is a person not a government.
Pages 18-19: For a second time, "Jehovah now appeared to Abram and said: 'To your seed I am going to give this land.'" How thrilling! Of course, it took faith for Abram to rejoice in something that would be enjoyed only by his future offspring.
Note: Jesus Christ as Jehovah appeared to Abraham. How thrilling!
John 8:56-59 "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Note: Pharisees did not believe that Jesus Christ was/is Jehovah.
Page 19: Abram thus took a bold public stand as a worshiper of the true God, Jehovah, exposing himself to ill will and possible physical danger. What about us today? Do some of us - particularly young ones - hold back from letting our neighbors or schoolmates know that we worship Jehovah?
Note: Did you know that the Father and the Son are worshiped together as Jehovah in heaven?
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
Page 19: Wherever Abram went, Jehovah's worship always took priority. "Later he moved from there to the mountainous region to the east of Bethel and pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. Then he built an altar there to Jehovah and began to call on the name of Jehovah." (Genesis 12:8) The Hebrew phrase "call on the name" also means "declare (preach) the name." No doubt, Abram boldly declared Jehovah's name among his Canaanite neighbors. (Genesis 14:22-24) This reminds us of our duty to have as large a share as possible in making "public declaration to his name" today. - Hebrews 13:15; Romans 10:10.
Note: True Christians will call or declare (preach) the name of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 19: Christians today must likewise remain "no part of the world." (John 17:16) While we are kind and courteous to our neighbors and work associates, we are careful not to get entangled in behavior that reflects the spirit of the world alienated from God. - Ephesians 2:2, 3.
Note: Christians who belong to Jesus Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit for good works.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Page 20: More important, Jehovah's interests were at stake, for he had said that through Abram's seed all the nations of the earth would bless themselves. (Genesis 12:2, 3, 7) Since Abram was still childless, it was critical that he remain alive.
Note: Have you been blessed with eternal life through Jesus Christ?
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
Page 20: Abram spoke to his wife about using a ploy they had earlier agreed upon, namely, to say that she was his sister. Note that although he had patriarchal authority, he did not abuse his position but elicited her cooperation and support. (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:13) In this, Abram set a fine example for husbands to exercise loving headship, and Sarai, by demonstrating her subjection, is an example for wives today. - Ephesians 5:23-28; Colossians 4:6.
Correction: Abraham set a bad example based on fear not faith.
2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Note: God preserved Abraham based on His faithfulness.
Page 21: Today, Jehovah does not guarantee us protection from the ravages of death, crime, famine, or natural disaster. We are promised that Jehovah will always make available protection from things that can endanger our spirituality. (Psalm 91:1-4)
Note: Today, Christians are spiritually protected by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Page 21: What about the threat of death from persecution? While individuals may be allowed to die, God will never allow the extermination of his people as a whole. (Psalm 116:15) And if death claims some faithful ones, we can be confident of their resurrection. - John 5:28, 29.
Note: True Christians will be persecuted for the name and person of Jesus Christ by the world.
John 15:20-21 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Page 23: Christians today must likewise stay separate from the world. They do not consider themselves superior to others, but they do not closely associate with any who might lure them to engage in unscriptural conduct. - 1 Peter 4:3, 4.
Note: True Christians will be persecuted for the name and person of Jesus Christ by the world.
1 Peter 4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
Note: Are you glorifying Jesus Christ?
Page 24: In a display of strong faith in Jehovah, Abram led his vastly out numbered troops to victory, rescuing Lot and his family. Abram now encountered Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine, and he was priest of the Most High God. Then he blessed him and said: 'Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, Producer of heaven and earth; and blessed be the Most High God, who has delivered your oppressors into your hand!' At that Abram gave him a tenth of everything." - Genesis 14:18-20.
Note: Have you been accepted by God? Are you focused on Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 6:19-20 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Page 24: Yes, to Jehovah belonged the victory. Because of his faith, Abram once again got to experience Jehovah's deliverance. God's people today do not engage in carnal warfare, but they do face many tests and challenges. Our next article will show how Abram's example can help us to deal with them successfully.
Note: Have you overcome the world through faith in Jesus Christ?
1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Page 25: AS Jehovah's Witnesses, we delight in doing God's will. We also find refreshment in taking on the "yoke" of discipleship. (Matthew 11:29)
Correction: True Christians find refreshment in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Page 25: Nevertheless, serving Jehovah with Christ is not always easy. The apostle Paul made this plain when he urged fellow Christians: "You have need of endurance, in order that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise." (Hebrews 10:36) Endurance is needed because serving God can be challenging.
Note: True Christians will receive an enduring possession in heaven. Will you?
Hebrews 10:32-34 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
Page 25: Jehovah's people today should also expect tribulations. (1 Peter 1:6, 7) After all, Revelation 12:17 warns us that Satan is 'waging war' with the anointed remnant. Because of their close association with the anointed, the "other sheep" are likewise targets of Satan's wrath.
Note: All true Christians will suffer for the their faith in Jesus Christ who they love.
1 Peter 1:6-8 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Page 25: Besides the opposition Christians might face in their public ministry, they may also experience trialsome pressures in their personal lives. Paul exhorts us: "Let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out." (Galatians 6:9)
Note: Have you been accepted by God? Are you focused on Jesus Christ?
Galatians 6:14-15 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
Page 26: Since the end of World War II, dozens of lands have imposed governmental bans on the Christian educational work of Jehovah's Witnesses. The 2001 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses tells of the violence Christians in Angola had to endure at the hands of enemies. Relying on Jehovah, our brothers in such lands have steadfastly refused to quit! They have responded, not by resorting to violence or rebellion, but by discreetly persisting in the preaching work. - Matthew 24:14.
Note: True Christians will be persecuted for the name and person of Jesus Christ by the world.
Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses suffered needlessly for the Watch Tower.
Page 26: Well, do not give up! By enduring faithfully, you will experience the fulfillment of Jesus' words: "Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lying say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake." - Matthew 5:11.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not suffering for Jesus Christ.
Page 27: Admittedly, some trials are self-imposed. For example, Jesus commanded his followers: "Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19)
Note: True Christians will receive an enduring possession in heaven. Will you?
Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Page 27: Abraham was willing to sacrifice material comforts in order to please God. "By faith he resided as an alien in the land of the promise as in a foreign land, and dwelt in tents with Issaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the very same promise. For he was awaiting the city having real foundations, the builder and maker of which city is God." (Hebrews 11:9, 10) Abraham's faith in a future "city," or divine government, helped him not to rely on riches. Would we not be wise to do the same?
Note: True Christians will receive an enduring possession in heaven. Will you?
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Page 28: Another trial may involve the seeming delay of the end of this wicked system of things. According to 2 Peter 3:12, Christians are to be "awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." However, many have awaited this "day" for years, some for decades. As a result, some may become discouraged and lose their sense of urgency.
Correction: True Christians look for the return of Jesus Christ not the wrath of God.
Amos 5:18-20 Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! For what good is the day of the LORD to you? It will be darkness, and not light. It will be as though a man fled from a lion, And a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house, Leaned his hand on the wall, And a serpent bit him! Is not the day of the LORD darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it?
Pages 28-29: Evidently, some of us need more time to make changes and adjustments so as to "be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace." (2 Peter 3:14) Should we not be grateful, then, that God has shown such patience?
Correction: Only Jesus Christ can save you not your changes and adjustments or works.
2 Peter 3:14-16 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
Note: The Watch Tower has twisted Scriptures and will be destroyed during the day of Jehovah.
Page 29: The life of Abraham teaches many lessons to Christians today. He showed not only faith but patience, shrewdness, courage, and unselfish love. He gave the worship of Jehovah priority in his life. It must be remembered, though, that the superlative example for us to imitate was set by Jesus Christ. He too faced numerous trials and tests, but through them all, he never lost his joy. Why? Because he kept his mind focused on the hope ahead. (Hebrews 12:2, 3)
Correction: Only Jesus Christ can save you not your changes and adjustments or works.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Note: The Watch Tower has twisted Scriptures and will be destroyed during the day of Jehovah.
Page 29: Paul thus prayed: "Now may the God who supplies endurance and comfort grant you to have among yourselves the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had." (Romans 15:5) With the right mental attitude, we can find joy despite obstacles that Satan may throw our way.
Correction: True Christians will have joy from Jesus Christ.
John 15:10-12 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Page 29: When problems seem overwhelming, remind yourself that just as he loved Abraham, Jehovah loves you. He wants you to succeed. (Philippians 1:6)
Note: Do you have joy from Jesus Christ? Have you succeeded in preaching Jesus Christ?
Philippians 1:18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Page 29: Develop the habit of reading God's Word daily. (Psalm 1:2) Persevere in prayer, asking Jehovah to help you endure. (Philippians 4:6) He will "give holy spirit to those asking him."
Note: Careful! Spirit-filled Christians are Jesus Witnesses.
John 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."
Page 29: Take advantage of the provisions Jehovah has made to sustain you spiritually, such as our Bible-based publications. Also, seek out the support of the brotherhood. (1 Peter 2:17) Faithfully attend Christian meetings, for there you will receive the encouragement you need in order to endure. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Rejoice in the conviction that your endurance leads to an approved condition in God's eyes and that your faithfulness makes his heart rejoice! - Proverbs 27:11; Romans 5:3-5.
Correction: Only Jesus Christ can save you not your changes and adjustments or works.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Page 29: In fact, the Bible warns us that "wicked men and imposters will advance from bad to worse." (2 Timothy 3:1, 13) Instead of giving in to despair, realize that the pressures we face give evidence that the end of Satan's wicked system is near. But Jesus reminds us that "he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." (Matthew 24:13)
Correction: This message is for the Jews trying to survive the day of Jehovah.
Matthew 24:20 "And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath."
Page 31: The apostle Peter wrote: "After you have suffered to a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training, he will make you firm, he will make you strong." - 1 Peter 5:10.
Note: Only Jesus Christ can save you not your changes and adjustments or works.
1 Peter 5:10-11 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Back Cover: On November 17, 2000, the Certificate of Excellence was presented to Jehovah's Witnesses for "their contributions to the development of the Congolese individual (through) the education and the teaching contained in their publications."
Note: The Watch Tower does not practice true religion.
Matthew 6:2 "Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward."
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.