Watchtower

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SEPTEMBER 29 –OCTOBER 5

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OCTOBER 20-26

Use the Word of God—It Is Alive!

How Jehovah Draws Close to Us

Hear Jehovah’s Voice Wherever You Are

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah’s Purpose?

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ˇ What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah’s Purpose?

Learn what the rebellion against God has meant for men and women. Consider the experiences of some faithful women of the past. Also, find out how Christian women contribute to God’s work today.

ISRAEL COVER: Sisters preaching in Russian on a Tel Aviv promenade. In the background are the rocky hills of modern Jaffa, the ancient seaport of Joppa

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ˇ Use the Word of God—It Is Alive!

All of Jehovah’s Witnesses want to be effective in the ministry. Consider some practical suggestions on how to use the powerful Word of God along with our tracts to have conversations with people.

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POPULATION

8,050,000

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ˇ How Jehovah Draws Close to Us

PEAK PUBLISHERS IN 2013

We need to have a close relationship with Jehovah. Learn how the ransom and the Bible prove that Jehovah has taken the initiative to draw us close to him.

1,459 MEMORIAL ATTENDANCE IN 2013

2,671

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ˇ Hear Jehovah’s Voice Wherever You Are

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

27 Are You Receiving “Food at the Proper Time”?

Learn how important it is to listen to Jehovah’s voice and communicate with him. This article will help us see how we can avoid allowing Satan and our own sinful tendencies to distract us from listening to Jehovah.

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30 Questions From Readers __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32 Did You Know?

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This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Vol. 135, No. 16 Semimonthly ENGLISH

The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is published semimonthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.; L. Weaver, Jr., President; G. F. Simonis, Secretary-Treasurer; 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, and by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Canada, PO Box 4100, Georgetown,

ON L7G 4Y4. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299. 5 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Printed in Canada.

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah’s Purpose?

“The women proclaiming the good news are a large army.”—PSALM 68:11.

JEHOVAH had a reason for creating the earth. He “formed it to be inhabited,” to be filled with people. (Isaiah 45:18) The first human, Adam, was created perfect. Jehovah gave him the garden of Eden, a beautiful home with many trees and interesting animals. But there was something missing. Jehovah knew that, and he said: “It is not good for the man to continue to be alone. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.” Jehovah put Adam in a deep sleep and took one of his ribs and built it “into a woman.” When Adam woke up, he was very happy to see his wife! He said: “This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man she was taken.”—Genesis 2: 18-23.

2 The woman was a gift from God to Adam. And she was a perfect helper for him. Also, she was given the special privilege to have children. The Bible says: “Adam 1, 2. (a) What gifts did God give Adam? (b) Why did God provide a

wife for Adam? (See opening picture.)

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HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What has the rebellion in Eden meant for men and women?

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How did women serve Jehovah in the past?

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What role do women now play in preaching the good news?

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Eve was a complement of Adam: This describes her role as a wife. She had abilities that Adam did not have but that were needed for the success of their family. She would help Adam to fulfill God’s purpose to make the earth a paradise

named his wife Eve, because she was to become the mother of everyone living.” (Genesis 3:20; footnote) Together, Adam and Eve would fill the earth with perfect humans. Our first parents and their children would have the privilege of making the whole earth into a paradise and caring for other living things.—Genesis 1:27, 28.

3 To have God’s approval, Adam and Eve needed to obey Jehovah and accept his authority. (Genesis 2:15-17) Only by remaining faithful to God would they be allowed to do everything God purposed for them. Sadly, Adam and Eve did not obey Jehovah.

Instead, they listened to Satan and sinned against God. (Genesis 3:1-6; Revelation 12:9) How has this act of disobedience affected women? What have some faithful women done in the past? Why can Christian women today be called “a large army”?—Psalm 68:11.

THE RESULT OF DISOBEDIENCE 4 Jehovah expected Adam to explain why he disobeyed. What was his weak excuse? “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me

fruit from the tree, so I ate.” (Genesis 3:12) Adam did not feel sorry about what he had done. Instead, he tried to blame Eve, and he even tried to blame Jehovah, the Creator of his wife. Even though Adam and Eve both sinned, Jehovah held Adam responsible for their decision. For this reason, the Bible says that “through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin.”—Romans 5:12.

5 Satan convinced Adam and Eve that they did not need Jehovah to be their Ruler. That raised the question about who has the right to rule humans. To answer that question, Jehovah has allowed humans to rule themselves for a period of time. What has been the result? Humans have caused one disaster after another. In the last one hundred years or so, about 100,000,000 people have died in wars. As the Bible says, “it does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) That is why true Christians accept Jehovah as their Ruler.—Read Proverbs 3:5, 6.

6 Men and women have suffered in this world that is ruled by Satan. (Ecclesiastes 8:9; 1 John 5:19) Yet, wom-

3. (a) To have God’s approval, what did Adam

and Eve need to do, but what happened? (b) What questions will we consider?

4. Who was held responsible for Adam and Eve’s sin?

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5. What has been the result of humans’ ruling

themselves?

6. In many lands, how are women and girls treated?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

Jehovah is in no way pleased by crimes against women en have been victims of some of the worst crimes. For example, around the world about 1 in 3 women have been attacked by their own husbands or boyfriends. Also, in some cultures it is common to favor boys. Why? Because when they grow up, they can look after their parents and continue their family name. In certain places, girls are considered worthless, and parents abort them before they are born.

7 Jehovah is in no way pleased by crimes against women. He treats women in a fair and respectful way.

When Jehovah created Eve, she was not made to be a slave for Adam. She was perfect and had many qualities that made her a wonderful complement to her husband. That is one reason why the Bible says that after God finished with his creative work, he “saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) Certainly, Adam and Eve had a very good start.

WOMEN WHO HAD JEHOVAH’S SUPPORT

After the rebellion in Eden, humans continued to disobey Jehovah.

In recent years, the conduct of humans has become worse. Without a 8

doubt, these are “critical times hard to deal with,” as the Bible foretold.

(2 Timothy 3:1-5) Despite the wickedness of some, there have always been men and women who have obeyed God’s laws and accepted him as their Ruler. They have trusted in Jehovah, and he has helped and supported them.—Read Psalm 71:5.

9 In Noah’s time, Jehovah destroyed wicked people by means of the Flood, and very few humans survived. If Noah’s brothers and sisters were still alive at that time, they also died in the Flood. (Genesis 5:30) But the number of women who survived the Flood was the same as the number of men. The survivors were Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives. They were

The number of women who survived the Flood was the same as the number of men saved because they obeyed Jehovah and did his will. All humans now living come from those eight people whom God helped and protected.

—Genesis 7:7; 1 Peter 3:20.

10 Years later, the wives of faithful patriarchs also had God’s help and protection. They did not complain about their life, and Jehovah blessed them. (Jude 16) One such woman was

7. What kind of start did God give both men

and women?

8. (a) How do most people behave? (b) Throughout history, whom has Jehovah helped and supported?

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9. How many people survived the Flood, and

why?

10. Why did Jehovah help and protect the wives of faithful men?

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Today, there are many faithful women like Sarah and Rebekah among Jehovah’s people Sarah. When she was asked to leave her comfortable home in Ur to live in tents, she did not complain. Instead, she “obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.” (1 Peter 3:6) Think also of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac. She was a wonderful gift from Jehovah. The Bible says that Isaac “fell in love with her, and . . . found comfort after the loss of his mother.” (Genesis 24:67) Today, Jehovah’s people are privileged to have many faithful women like Sarah and Rebekah among them.

11 While the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, they grew and became a large nation. Pharaoh commanded that all Israelite baby boys be killed at birth. There were two Israelite women who seemed to be responsible for the midwives. Their names were Shiphrah and Puah. Because they feared Jehovah more than they feared Pharaoh, these midwives were courageous and refused to follow Pharaoh’s command to kill the baby boys. And Jehovah later rewarded them with their own families.—Exodus 1:15-21.

12 During the time that Israel had judges, God appointed a woman 11. How did two Israelite midwives display

courage?

12. What was remarkable about Deborah and Jael?

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named Deborah as a prophetess. Deborah encouraged Judge Barak and helped the Israelites to get free from their enemies. She foretold that a woman, not Barak, would receive the glory for defeating the Canaanites.

These enemies were defeated when Jael, a woman who was not an Israelite, killed Sisera, the chief of the Canaanite army.—Judges 4:4-9, 17-22.

13 Consider also the faithful woman Abigail who lived about 1,100 years before Christ. The Bible says that she had good sense but that her husband, Nabal, was mean, worthless, and senseless. (1 Samuel 25:2, 3, 25) Because David had protected Nabal’s men, David eventually sent his men to ask him for food and other supplies. But Nabal “screamed insults at them” and gave them nothing. David became so angry that he planned to punish Nabal and his men. However, after being told what Nabal had done, Abigail took food and other gifts to David. Because of her wise actions, David did not kill

Many Christian women work on building projects around the world Nabal. (1 Samuel 25:8-18) David later said to her: “Praise Jehovah the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!” (1 Samuel 25:32) After the death of Nabal, David married Abigail.—1 Samuel 25:37-42.

13. What does the Bible tell us about Abigail?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its temple in the year 607 before Christ, many men, women, and children died. In 455 before Christ, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under the direction of Nehemiah. Among the many workers who helped with the building project were the daughters of Shallum. Their father was “a prince of half the district of Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 3:12) Yet, the daughters of Shallum were glad to do humble work. This reminds us of the many Christian women who work on building projects around the world today!

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WOMEN WHO FEARED GOD IN JESUS’ TIME

Jehovah has given women special privileges in his service. One such woman was a virgin named Mary.

While she was engaged to Joseph, Mary became pregnant by means of Jehovah’s holy spirit. Why did God choose Mary to become the mother of Jesus? No doubt because she had valuable qualities that were needed to raise her perfect son. It was a great privilege to become the mother of the greatest man ever to live on earth!

—Matthew 1:18-25.

16 Jesus was very kind to women.

For example, think about the woman who “had a flow of blood for 12 years.”

She touched Jesus’ garment so that she would get healed. Did Jesus be15

14. The daughters of Shallum were involved in

what project, and how are Christian women doing something similar today?

15. What privilege did Jehovah give to Mary?

16. How did Jesus treat women? Give an example.

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The women preaching the good news truly are “a large army” (See paragraphs 18, 19)

come angry with her? No. He was kind and said: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed from your grievous sickness.”—Mark 5:25-34.

17 While Jesus and his apostles were traveling, there were some women who cared for their needs. (Luke 8: 1-3) And on the day of Pentecost in the year 33, about 120 men and women received God’s spirit in a special way.

(Read Acts 2:1-4.) Many years before that, Jehovah had said: “I will pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy . . . And even on my male slaves and female slaves I will pour out my spirit.” (Joel 2:28, 29) This miracle on the day of Pentecost was proof that Jehovah favored these men and women who became “the Israel of God.” (Galatians 3:28; 6:15, 16) The four daughters of Philip the evangelizer were some of the women who preached in the first century.—Acts 21: 8, 9.

17. What happened on the day of Pentecost in

the year 33?

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“A LARGE ARMY” OF WOMEN

Near the end of the 1800’s, a few men and women were very interested in Bible truth. They were the ones who opened the way by preaching Jesus’ message and were part of the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy: “This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”—Matthew 24:14.

19 The small group of Bible Students has grown to become some 8,000,000 Witnesses of Jehovah today.

In addition to them, more than 11,000,000 others attended the Memorial of Jesus’ death. Most of them were women. Also, there are more than 1,000,000 Witnesses in the full-time service. In most lands, the majority of these are women. Jehovah has given women the privilege to represent him. Thus, the words of the psalmist have certainly been fulfilled: “Jehovah gives the command; the women proclaiming the good news are a large army.”—Psalm 68:11.

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GRAND REWARDS AHEAD FOR WOMEN WHO FEAR GOD

It is not possible to discuss here all the faithful women described in the Bible. But we can read about them in God’s Word and in articles found in our publications. We can meditate on the example of Ruth and her loyalty.

(Ruth 1:16, 17) Also, we can benefit by 20

18, 19. (a) What privilege has God given to

both men and women? (b) How does the psalmist refer to women who declare the good news?

20. What are good subjects for family worship or personal study?

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The majority of those in the full-time service are women considering the example of Queen Esther. We can study about these women and others during our family worship. Or if we live alone, we can study about these women and others during our personal study.

21 It is very clear that Jehovah has blessed the preaching work of faithful women, even during difficult trials.

For example, during the times of Nazi oppression and Communist rule, Jehovah helped faithful women to remain loyal to him. Many suffered, and some were even killed because of their obedience to God. (Acts 5:29) Like those faithful women, Christian women and others today have chosen God as their Ruler. Jehovah has said to them, just as he said to the ancient Israelites: “Do not be afraid. I will help you.”—Isaiah 41:10-13.

22 In the future, men and women who fear God will be used to help millions of resurrected ones to learn about Jehovah and his wonderful purposes for humankind. In addition, they will participate in restoring the entire earth to a paradise. Until then, may all of us value the privilege we have to serve Jehovah “shoulder to shoulder.”—Zephaniah 3:9.

21. How have faithful women proved their loy-

alty to Jehovah?

22. We can look forward to what future privileges?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

Use the Word of God It Is Alive!

“The word of God is alive and exerts power.”—HEBREWS

4:12.

IMAGINE that you had to speak to the most powerful ruler on earth as a representative of God’s people. How would you feel? You would probably feel anxious, afraid, and unable to speak. How would you prepare what to say? Would you be able to speak with authority as a messenger of God? 2 Moses was in that exact situation. He was a very humble person. (Numbers 12:3) But Jehovah sent him to speak to Pharaoh, a very rude and proud man. Jehovah asked Moses to give an order to Pharaoh. The order was to free millions of God’s people from slavery. (Exodus 5: 1, 2) We can understand why Moses asked Jehovah: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Moses probably felt that he did not have the ability to speak to Pharaoh. But Jehovah promised Moses that he would not be alone. “I will prove to be with you,” said Jehovah.—Exodus 3:9-12.

3 Why was Moses afraid? He was afraid that Pharaoh 1, 2. What did Jehovah tell Moses to do, and what promise did Jehovah

make?

3, 4. (a) Why was Moses afraid? (b) Why might your feelings be similar to those of Moses?

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WHAT DO YOU THINK? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How can you make your presentations in the ministry more effective?

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How do our tracts help us to read from the Bible on our first visit and on return visits?

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How can we imitate Paul’s example when we prepare for the ministry?

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

“The word of God is alive”: All the promises of Jehovah progress toward their fulfillment, and they will be completely successful

would not receive or pay attention to a messenger of Jehovah God. Moses was also afraid that the Israelites would doubt whether God had chosen him to lead them out of Egypt. He said to Jehovah: “Suppose they do not believe me and do not listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘Jehovah did not appear to you.’ ”—Exodus 3: 15-18; 4:1.

4 What about you? You may never have to speak to a powerful ruler. But what if it is difficult for you to talk to people in your territory about Jehovah and his Kingdom? Jehovah’s command to Moses and what happened afterward can teach us a very important lesson.

“WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?”

When Moses said to Jehovah that he was afraid people would not believe him, God prepared Moses so that he would be successful. The Bible states: “Jehovah said to [Moses]: ‘What is that in your hand?’ He answered: ‘A rod.’ He said: ‘Throw it on 5

5. What did Jehovah put in Moses’ hand, and

how did it help him to have confidence? (See opening picture.)

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The word of God “exerts power”: God’s Word has the power to change people’s lives.

When a person develops confidence in God’s Word, what he reads in the Bible can have a powerful effect on his life

With proof of Jehovah’s support, Moses could have the confidence needed to go to speak to Pharaoh the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Jehovah now said to Moses: ‘Reach out your hand and seize it by the tail.’ So he reached out and seized it, and it became a rod in his hand. God then said: ‘This is so that they may believe that Jehovah . . . has appeared to you.’ ” (Exodus 4:2-5)

By God’s power, the rod became a snake in Moses’ hand! This miracle would prove that Moses was God’s messenger and had authority from Him. Jehovah told him: “You will take this rod in your hand and perform the signs with it.” (Exodus 4:17) With this proof, Moses could have the confidence needed to go to speak to Pharaoh and also to God’s people.—Exodus 4:29-31; 7:8-13.

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

Our goal is to touch the hearts of those who listen to us

tures we will read to others. Our goal is to touch the hearts of those who listen to us. The tracts we received in 2013 were designed to help us do that.

READ A SCRIPTURE THAT IS CAREFULLY CHOSEN

When we share God’s message with others, what do we have in our hand? We have the Bible, and we are eager to use it. Some people think that the Bible is simply a good book.

But the Bible is more than that. It contains God’s message to us. (2 Peter 1: 21) It contains God’s promises and tells us what his Kingdom will do.

Paul wrote: “The word of God is alive and exerts power.” (Read Hebrews 4:12.) How is the word of God alive? All the promises of Jehovah progress toward their fulfillment, and they will be completely successful. (Isaiah 46:10; 55:11) When a person grasps these facts about God’s Word, what he reads in the Bible can have a powerful effect on his life.

7 Jehovah has given us his living Word, the Bible. With this tool, we can prove that what we say can be trusted and comes from God. That is why when Paul was training Timothy, he encouraged him to handle “the word of the truth aright.” (2 Timothy 2:15) How can we apply Paul’s counsel? By carefully choosing the scrip-

All the new tracts have the same format. So when we learn how to use one, we know how to use them all. One service overseer in Hawaii, U.S.A., wrote: “Little did we realize how effective these new tools would be both in the house-to-house work and in public witnessing.” Why are the tracts so easy to use? He feels that this is because of the question and the possible answers found on the front of them. The householder does not have to worry about giving a wrong answer. The brother says that because of the way the tracts are written, many more people are willing to talk, and this leads to interesting conversations.

9 Each tract contains a carefully chosen scripture that we can read to the householder. Take, for example, the tract Will Suffering Ever End? Ask the householder the question on the cover. He can pick “yes,” “no,” or “maybe” as the answer. Whatever his answer is, turn to the inside page and simply say, “Here is what the Bible says.” Then read Revelation 21:3, 4.

10 When you use the tract How Do You View the Bible? it does not

6. (a) What should be in our hand when we

8. What did one service overseer say about the

preach, and why? (b) Explain how “the word of God is alive” and how it “exerts power.”

7. How can we handle “the word of the truth aright”?

tracts?

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9, 10. (a) How are our tracts designed to help

us use the Bible? (b) Which tracts have you had the most success using, and why?

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matter which of the three answers the householder chooses. Just turn to the inside of the tract and say, “The Bible says that ‘all Scripture is inspired of God.’ ” You could add, “Actually, that passage says much more.”

Then open your Bible, and read all of 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

11 You may decide to read and discuss more from the tract. This will depend on the reaction of the householder. But no matter how people react, they will have received the message from the tract, and you will have read some of God’s Word to them. Even if you read only one or two verses the first time you visit them, you can return later and continue the conversation.

12 On the back of each tract there is the subtitle “To Think About.” Under this subtitle, there are scriptures and a question that can be discussed on a return visit. In the tract How Do You View the Future? the question is “How will God change our world for the better?” Matthew 6:9, 10 and Daniel 2:44 are cited. For the tract Can the Dead Really Live Again? the question is “Why do we grow old and die?” Genesis 3:17-19 and Romans 5: 12 are cited.

13 These tracts are designed to help us start Bible studies. A person can scan the QR Code1 on the back of a 1 QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.

11, 12. (a) In what way can you use tracts to

make your ministry more enjoyable? (b) How can tracts help you prepare for return visits?

13. Explain how to use the tracts to start Bible studies.

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tract, and he will be directed to our Web site. There, he will be invited to study the Bible. These tracts also feature the brochure Good News From God! Each tract refers to a lesson in this brochure. For example, the tract Who Really Controls the World? leads to lesson 5 of that brochure.

The tract What Is the Key to Happy Family Life? leads into lesson 9.

These tracts are designed to help us use the Bible on our first visit and on return visits. This way we may start more Bible studies. What else can you do to use God’s Word in an effective way?

Our tracts are designed to help us start Bible studies DISCUSS A SUBJECT THAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT

Paul was very interested in understanding the thinking of “as many people as possible” in his ministry. (Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.)

Why? He wanted to help “people of all sorts,” both Jews and others, to learn the truth so that they might be saved. (Acts 20:21) How can we imitate Paul’s example as we prepare for the ministry and preach to “all sorts of people”?—1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

15 Each month, Our Kingdom Ministry contains suggestions on how to present our message. Try using 14

14, 15. How can you imitate Paul’s example in

your ministry?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

Are you using the Bible and tracts effectively in your ministry?

(See paragraphs 8-13)

them. But what if people in your territory are concerned about a different subject? Prepare to say something that is of interest to them. What concerns the people around you? Choose a scripture that is related to that subject. A circuit overseer and his wife describe how they are able to use the Bible more in their ministry: “Most householders will allow us to read one verse if we are brief and to the point. After a customary greeting with our open Bibles in hand, we read the scripture.” In the following paragraphs, we will consider some topics, questions, and scriptures that have proved to be successful in the ministry. You might want to try using some of them in your territory.

16 If you live in an area where there is crime and violence, you might ask a person: “Can you imagine this news being on the front page of the newspaper: ‘The whole earth now rests, 16. Explain how Isaiah 14:7 could be used in

the ministry.

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free of disturbance. People cry out for joy’? That is what the Bible says at Isaiah 14:7. In fact, the Bible contains God’s many promises of peaceful times that will soon come.” Then offer to read one of those promises from the Bible.

17 Is it hard for many men in your area to provide for their families? If so, you might start a conversation by asking: “How much money does a man have to make in order for his family to be happy?” After the person responds, you might say: “Many men earn much more than that, but their families are still not satisfied. So, what is really needed?” Then read Matthew 5:3 and offer a Bible study.

18 Are people in your area suffering as a result of a recent tragedy? You could begin a conversation by saying: “I came to your door to offer some 17. How can we use Matthew 5:3 in a conversa-

tion?

18. To comfort others, how can you use Jeremiah 29:11?

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comfort. (Read Jeremiah 29:11.) Did you notice the three things God wants for us? ‘Peace,’ ‘a future,’ and ‘a hope.’

It is nice to know that he wants us to have a good life. But how is that possible?” Then turn to an appropriate lesson in the Good News brochure.

19 Do you live in an area where people are interested in religion? If so, you might start a conversation by asking: “If an angel spoke to you, would you listen to what he had to say?

(Read Revelation 14:6, 7.) This angel says ‘fear God,’ so to which God was he referring? To ‘the One who made the heaven and the earth.’ Who was that?” Then read Psalm 124:8, which says: “Our help is in the name of Jehovah, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

You never know how people will react to a scripture that has been chosen carefully Then offer to explain more about Jehovah God. 20 You might start a conversation with a young person by saying: “I would like to read a scripture that asks a very important question. (Read Proverbs 30:4.) No human can do 19. Explain how Revelation 14:6, 7 can be used

when talking with people who are interested in religion.

20. (a) How can Proverbs 30:4 be used to teach someone God’s name? (b) What scripture have you used with success in your ministry?

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these things, so this verse must be referring to our Creator.1 (See footnote.)

How can we find out what his name is? I would be happy to show it to you in the Bible.”

USE THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD IN YOUR MINISTRY 21 You never know how people will react to a scripture that has been chosen carefully. For example, two Witnesses in Australia knocked on a young woman’s door. One of them asked her, “Do you know God’s name?” and then read Psalm 83:18. “I was floored!” the woman says. “After they left, I drove 56 kilometers (35 miles) to a bookstore to check other Bible translations and then looked up the name in a dictionary. Having convinced myself that God’s name is Jehovah, I wondered what else I didn’t know.” Soon, she and her future husband began studying the Bible, and later they got baptized.

22 God’s Word has the power to change people’s lives. When someone reads the Bible, he can build strong faith in Jehovah’s promises.

This faith will motivate him to apply what he learns. (Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13.) The Bible’s message is more powerful than anything we could ever say. So let us be determined to use the Word of God in our ministry as much as possible. It is alive!

1 See “Questions From Readers” in The Watchtower of July 15, 1987, page 31.

21, 22. (a) How can a scripture that has been

chosen carefully change a person’s life? (b) What are you determined to do in your ministry?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

How Jehovah Draws Close to Us “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”

—JAMES 4:8.

EVERYONE needs to feel close to other people. It makes us happy to have family and friends who really love, value, and understand us. But the closest relationship we need to develop is with our Creator, Jehovah.—Ecclesiastes 12:1.

2 Jehovah invites us to be his friends. He promises that if we draw close to him, he will draw close to us. (James 4:8) Knowing this makes us feel happy. But many people think that it is not realistic to believe that God wants to be close to them. They feel that they are not worthy of having a relationship with him or that he is too far away. Is it really possible to draw close to Jehovah?

3 Yes, it is possible to know Jehovah because “he is not 1. What need do humans have, and who can fill this need?

2. What does Jehovah promise us, but why do many people not believe

this promise?

3. What must we believe about Jehovah?

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15

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT . . . ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jehovah’s invitation to draw close to him?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

God’s gift of the ransom?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

having the Bible written in a way that we can understand?

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

To draw close to Jehovah: To get to know Jehovah very well and to have a good relationship with him. To make him our best Friend

far off from each one” who wants to find him. (Read Acts 17:26, 27; Psalm 145:18.) Jehovah is ready and willing to accept us as his close friends, even though we are imperfect humans. (Isaiah 41:8; 55:6) As a result of his own experience, the psalmist said about Jehovah: “O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts will come. Happy is the one whom you choose and bring near.” (Psalm 65:2, 4) Let us now see from the Bible how King Asa of Judah drew close to God and how God also drew close to Asa.1—See footnote.

LEARN FROM AN ANCIENT EXAMPLE

Asa was zealous for true worship. He became king at a time when temple prostitution and idolatry were very common in the land, and he obeyed Jehovah by removing these bad things. (1 Kings 15:9-13) Because Asa himself had drawn close to Jehovah and obeyed His laws, he could tell the people “to search for Jehovah the God of their forefathers and to observe the Law and the commandment.” Jehovah then blessed the first ten years of Asa’s rule with 4

1 See the article about Asa entitled “There Exists a Reward for Your Activity,” in the August 15, 2012, issue of The Watchtower.

4. What example did King Asa set for the peo-

ple of Judah?

16

complete peace. Asa knew that this peace came from Jehovah, and he told the people: “We have searched, and he has given us rest all around.”

(2 Chronicles 14:1-7) So, what happened next?

5 Imagine that you are King Asa. Zerah the Ethiopian is leading 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots to war against your nation. (2 Chronicles 14: 8-10) He has almost twice as many soldiers as your army does. How would you react? Would you ask why God has not stopped this invasion? Would you rely on your own wisdom? Or rather, would you trust in Jehovah to protect you? Asa clearly showed that he had a close relationship with Jehovah and that he trusted in him fully. Asa cried out: “Help us, O Jehovah our God, for we are relying on you.” How did God answer him? “Jehovah defeated the Ethiopians.” Not one of the enemy survived.—2 Chronicles 14:11-13.

6 How was Asa able to trust fully that God would protect and guide him? The Bible says that “Asa did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah” and that his “heart was complete with Jehovah.” (1 Kings 15:11, 14) We too 5. In what situation did Asa prove that he re-

lied on God, and what was the result?

6. How should we imitate Asa? SIMPLIFIED EDITION

We need to serve God with a complete heart so that we can be close to him need to serve God with a complete heart so that we can be close to him now and in the future. We are grateful that Jehovah has taken the initiative to draw us to him and that he helps us to have a close relationship with him. Let us see two ways in which God has done so.

JEHOVAH USES THE RANSOM TO DRAW US CLOSE

Jehovah showed his love for humans when he created a beautiful earthly home for us. He continues to show his love by keeping us alive each day. (Acts 17:28; Revelation 4:11) An even greater way Jehovah shows his love is by providing for our spiritual needs. (Luke 12:42) He also assures us that he personally listens when we pray to him. (1 John 5:14) But the greatest way Jehovah draws us close to him and shows his love for us is through the ransom. (Read 1 John 4: 9, 10, 19.) Jehovah sent his own Son to sacrifice his life for us. Only by means of this sacrifice can we hope to live forever as perfect humans.—John 3:16.

7

8 Jehovah intended the ransom to benefit all humans, even those who lived before the ransom was paid.

How was this possible? When he gave the prophecy about our future Savior, Jehovah viewed the ransom as already paid because he knew that his purpose for mankind would not fail.

(Genesis 3:15) Hundreds of years later, the apostle Paul thanked Jehovah for “the release by the ransom paid

by Christ Jesus.” Paul explained that God “was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past.” (Romans 3:21-26) So we cannot draw close to God without Jesus.

9 Jehovah allows humble people to enjoy a close relationship with him only through Jesus. The Bible says: “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)

Jehovah assures us that he personally listens when we pray to him

7. (a) What has Jehovah done that draws us to

The ransom was paid, not because we earned it, but because Jehovah and Jesus loved us so much. Jesus said: “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him.” He also said: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 6:44; 14:6) By means of holy spirit, Jehovah draws people to himself through

him? (b) What is the greatest way in which God draws us close to him?

8, 9. What is Jesus’ role in Jehovah’s purpose?

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17

The ransom was paid, not because we earned it, but because Jehovah and Jesus loved us so much Jesus and helps them to have a good relationship with Him, so that they can live forever. (Read Jude 20, 21.)

Let us now see a second way in which Jehovah draws us close to him.

JEHOVAH USES THE BIBLE TO DRAW US CLOSE

So far in this article, we have used scriptures from 14 Bible books.

Using his holy spirit, Jehovah inspired the writing of the Bible to draw us close to him. Without the Bible, how would we know that we can draw close to our Creator? Without it, how could we learn about the ransom and about the way Jesus helps us draw close to Jehovah? It is in the Bible that we learn about Jehovah’s beautiful personality and his purpose for mankind. For example, at Exodus 34:6, 7, Jehovah described himself as “merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth, showing loyal love to thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin.” Who would not be drawn to someone like that? Jehovah knows that when we learn more about him, 10

10. How does the Bible help us draw closer to

God?

18

he will become more real to us and we will feel closer to him.

11 The beginning of the book Draw Close to Jehovah says that as we build a close friendship with someone, we get to know our friend and admire his qualities. So in order to have a close relationship with God, we need to learn who he really is by studying his qualities in the Bible. We can be very thankful that Jehovah had the Bible written in a way that is easy to understand.

12 Jehovah could have used the angels to write the Bible. They are very interested in who we are and what we do. (1 Peter 1:12) They could have written Jehovah’s message to mankind perfectly. But angels are not like humans. They have never had the feelings, needs, and weaknesses that

Jehovah had the Bible written in a way that is easy to understand we have. Jehovah knows that angels are very different from us, so he wisely chose humans to write the Bible.

When we read about the disappointments, doubts, fears, and mistakes of the Bible writers and others, we can feel their pain. And when we read about their happy times, we can feel 11. Why is it important to learn about Jeho-

vah? (See opening picture.)

12. Why did Jehovah use humans to write the Bible?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

their joy. Like the prophet Elijah, all the Bible writers had “feelings like ours.”—James 5:17.

13 For example, God gave Jonah an important assignment, but Jonah ran away. If an angel had written this story, he could not have fully described Jonah’s feelings. It was much better that Jehovah chose Jonah to write his own story, including his prayer to God from the depths of the sea. Jonah said: “When my life was ebbing away, Jehovah was the One whom I remembered.”

—Jonah 1:3, 10; 2:1-9.

14 We can find another example in what Isaiah wrote about himself. When a vision of Jehovah’s glory helped him realize how sinful he was, he said: “Woe to me! I am as good as dead, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of armies himself!” (Isaiah 6:5) An angel could never have said that about himself, but Isaiah could and did. Because we are imperfect like Isaiah, we can imagine how he must have felt.

1 5 Angels could not have called themselves “unworthy,” as Jacob did, or “sinful,” as 13. How does Jonah’s prayer make you

feel?

14. Why can you understand what Isaiah wrote about himself?

15, 16. (a) Why can we understand the feelings of other humans? Give examples. (b) What will help us to draw closer to Jehovah?

How does the way Jehovah treated Jonah and Peter draw you closer to Him? (See paragraphs 13, 15)

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Peter did. (Genesis 32:10; Luke 5:8) They would not have been “fearful,” as Jesus’ disciples were at times. Angels would not have needed boldness to preach the good news while being persecuted, as Paul and others did.

(John 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:2) This is because angels are perfect in every way and are much stronger than humans. Like the humans Jehovah used to write the Bible, we too are imperfect, so we can understand their feelings. When we read what they wrote, we can “rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”

—Romans 12:15.

16 By meditating on how Jehovah treated his faithful servants in the past, we will discover many wonderful things about our God. We will see that he drew close to those imperfect humans in a patient and loving way. As we get to know Jehovah very well and come to love him deeply, we will draw closer to him.—Read Psalm 25:14.

By meditating on how Jehovah treated his faithful servants in the past, we will discover many wonderful things about our God

There is more that we can learn from King Asa. After he defeated the Ethiopian army, the prophet Azariah gave him wise counsel. Azariah said: “Jehovah is with you as long as you remain with him; and if you search for him, he will let himself be found by you, but if you abandon him, he will abandon you.” (2 Chronicles 15: 1, 2) Later, though, Asa did not obey this good counsel. When the northern

kingdom of Israel came to fight Judah, Asa became afraid. He did not ask Jehovah for help but made an alliance with the Syrians, who were pagans.

Jehovah told him: “You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on there will be wars against you.” And this is just what happened. (2 Chronicles 16:1-9) What is the lesson for us?

18 We should never draw away from Jehovah. If we are not as close to him as we used to be, let us immediately do what Hosea 12:6 says: “Return to your God, maintain loyal love and justice, and always hope in your God.” When we meditate on the ransom and carefully study the Bible, we can draw closer and closer to Jehovah.—Read Deuteronomy 13:4.

19 The psalmist wrote: “Drawing near to God is good for me.” (Psalm 73:28) It is good for each of us too. Let us make it our goal to continue to learn new things about Jehovah. As we do, we will love him more and more. When we draw closer to him, Jehovah will draw closer to us now and forever!

17. (a) What good counsel did Azariah give

18, 19. (a) What should we do if we are not as

Asa? (b) How did Asa ignore Azariah’s counsel, and what was the result?

close to Jehovah as we used to be? (b) How can we continue to draw closer to Jehovah?

BUILD AN UNBREAKABLE BOND WITH GOD 17

20

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

Hear Jehovah’s Voice Wherever You Are “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way.’ ”—ISAIAH 30:21.

JEHOVAH has guided his people throughout history. In the past, he used angels, visions, and dreams to reveal the future or to give specific assignments. (Numbers 7: 89; Ezekiel 1:1; Daniel 2:19) Sometimes God selected humans to represent him and convey his direction. No matter how Jehovah’s people received his word, those who followed his instructions were blessed.

2 Today, Jehovah uses the Bible, his holy spirit, and the congregation to guide us. (Acts 9:31; 15:28; 2 Timothy 3: 16, 17) His guidance is so clear that it is as if we hear him saying to us: “This is the way. Walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21) Jehovah also uses Jesus to convey His voice to us. He appointed Jesus to lead the congregation by means of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matthew 24:45) We need to take this guidance and direction seriously because our everlasting life depends on our doing so.—Hebrews 5:9.

1, 2. How does Jehovah communicate with his servants?

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21

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does Satan try to distract us from listening to Jehovah?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What tendencies in our own heart can stop us from listening to Jehovah?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What must we do to be guided by God?

How can regular worship protect you from being tricked by Satan?

(See paragraphs 4-9)

Satan knows that Jehovah’s direction will save our life, so he tries to distract us from listening to it.

Also, our own imperfect heart may not want to obey Jehovah fully. (Jeremiah 17:9) In this article we will see how we can overcome these obstacles to hearing God’s voice. We will also see how listening to Jehovah and talking to him in prayer can help us stay close to him no matter what happens.

3

AVOID BEING TRICKED BY SATAN

Satan tries to influence the way people think by using false information and propaganda. (Read 1 John 5: 19.) Newspapers, books, magazines, radio, TV, and the Internet spread information over the whole earth.

These sources offer some useful information, but they often promote conduct that goes against Jehovah’s standards. (Jeremiah 2:13) For example, 4

3. What could prevent us from obeying Jeho-

vah fully? (See opening picture.)

4. How does Satan try to influence the way people think?

22

they may say that there is nothing wrong with same-sex marriage. This leads many people to feel that what the Bible says about homosexuality is too strict.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

5 How can people who love Jehovah’s standards avoid being influenced by Satan’s propaganda? How can they know what is good and what is bad? The Bible answers: “By keeping on guard according to [God’s] word.” (Psalm 119:9) God’s written Word helps us to see what is true and what is a lie. (Proverbs 23:23) Jesus said that we need “every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.”

(Matthew 4:4) In the Bible, Jehovah gives us principles that we need to learn to apply. For example, long before there was a written law against adultery, Joseph knew that having sexual relations with Potiphar’s wife would be a sin against God. He never even considered disobeying Jehovah.

5. How can we avoid being influenced by Sa-

tan’s propaganda?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

(Read Genesis 39:7-9.) Even though Potiphar’s wife pressured him for a long time, Joseph chose to listen to Jehovah’s voice, not to hers. Today, we too must listen to Jehovah’s voice, not to the constant noise of Satan’s propaganda.

6 The world is filled with confusing religious ideas, and many people feel that it is impossible to find the true religion. But if we are willing to listen to Jehovah, he makes the truth easy to find. We have to decide to whom we will listen. It is almost impossible to listen to two voices at the same time. Just as sheep know their shepherd’s voice, we need to know the voice of Jesus, the one whom Jehovah has chosen to shepherd us.—Read John 10:3-5.

7 Jesus said: “Pay attention to what you are hearing.” (Mark 4:24) Jehovah’s direction is clear and right, but we need to have the proper attitude so

that we can accept what he says. If we are not careful, we might listen to Satan’s wicked advice instead of God’s loving direction. Never allow worldly music, videos, TV shows, books, associates, educators, or so-called experts to control your life.—Colossians 2:8.

If we are not careful, we might be listening to Satan’s wicked advice instead of God’s loving direction Satan knows that we are sinful humans. When he tries to make us give in to our weaknesses, it can be very difficult for us to remain loyal to Jehovah. (John 8:44-47) For 8

8. (a) How can our own heart make it easy for 6, 7. What must we do in order to avoid Sa-

tan’s wicked advice?

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Satan to influence us? (b) What can happen to us if we ignore warning signs?

23

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

Jehovah’s voice: Even though we do not literally hear Jehovah’s voice, Jehovah communicates with us using the Bible, his holy spirit, and the faithful and discreet slave. We listen to Jehovah’s voice when we study the Bible, apply what we learn at the meetings, and follow the direction of his holy spirit

example, we may have stopped praying, slowed down in our ministry, or started missing meetings. These are all warning signs of what is happening in our heart, and it would be dangerous to ignore them. If we are not alert, we might stop hearing Jehovah’s voice little by little. Eventually, we may give in to our desires and do something wrong that we never thought we would do. (Romans 7:15) But we can avoid making this tragic mistake if we stay alert to the warning signs and act immediately to correct matters. If we listen carefully to Jehovah’s voice, we will never listen to any apostate ideas.—Proverbs 11:9.

9 When a person is seriously sick, there is a better chance of a cure if he finds out about his sickness early.

Similarly, if we notice that we have a sinful tendency, we must act immediately, before we are “caught alive by [Satan] to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2: 26) What should we do if we realize

Propaganda: Information that is intended to mislead us and influence the way we think. Satan’s propaganda promotes the ideas and standards of his world

that we have allowed our thoughts and desires to become different from what Jehovah requires of us? We must immediately return to him, seek his guidance, and follow it. (Isaiah 44:22) The reality, though, is that the results of some mistakes may cause deep pain even after a person returns to Jehovah. It would be so much better never to leave Jehovah in the first place.

REJECT PRIDE AND GREED

We must recognize that our heart can lead us away from Jehovah.

For example, we could become proud or greedy. These qualities can cause us to make serious mistakes. A proud person may think that he is special and that he can do whatever he wants. He may feel that no one can tell him what to do, including his fellow Christians, the elders, or even the organization. He may get so far 10

10, 11. (a) What are some signs of pride?

9. Why is it very important to become aware of

our sinful tendencies as early as possible?

24

(b) What lesson do we learn from the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

Greed can quickly grow from a small desire to something that can ruin our life away from Jehovah that he can barely hear His voice.

11 Jehovah appointed Moses and Aaron to lead Israel through the desert. But Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled because they were proud and wanted to worship Jehovah in their own way. How did Jehovah respond?

He killed the rebels. (Numbers 26: 8-10) We learn an important lesson from this example. Rebellion against Jehovah leads to disaster. The Bible says that “pride is before a crash.”

—Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 13:11.

12 Greed is also dangerous. A greedy person often feels that Jehovah’s direction does not apply to him. He may think he can take things that are not his. Naaman, a Syrian army chief, had leprosy, and God’s prophet Elisha healed him. Naaman was so grateful that he offered Elisha gifts of money and clothing, which he refused. But Elisha had a servant named Gehazi who wanted those gifts for himself. Gehazi became greedy. Without telling Elisha, he ran after Naaman and told him lies so that Naaman would give the gifts to him. What happened to greedy Ge-

hazi? He was struck with leprosy!

—2 Kings 5:20-27.

13 If we allow it to, greed can quickly grow from a small desire to something that can ruin our life. This is clear in the Bible account of Achan.

He said: “When I saw among the spoil a good-looking official garment from Shinar and 200 shekels of silver and one gold bar weighing 50 shekels, I desired them, so I took them.” Achan should have rejected his wrong desire. But instead he stole the goods and hid them in his tent. Jehovah made Achan’s sin known to everyone, and that same day the thief and his family were stoned to death.

(Joshua 7:11, 21, 24, 25) Any one of us could become greedy like Achan.

That is why we must “guard against every sort of greed.” (Luke 12:15) Immorality is also a type of greed. Even though we may occasionally have a bad thought, it is vital that we control our mind so that wrong desires do not cause us to sin.—Read James 1: 14, 15.

14 Yes, both pride and greed can lead to disaster. Thinking about the effects of doing something wrong will help us to keep hearing Jehovah’s voice. (Deuteronomy 32:29) In the Bible, Jehovah tells us about both the benefits of doing the right thing and the effects of doing the wrong thing.

If we are tempted to do something wrong because of pride or greed, it would be wise to think about how it would affect us, our loved ones, and our relationship with Jehovah.

12, 13. (a) Give an example to show how

greed can lead to disaster. (b) Explain how greed can quickly grow if we allow it to.

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14. What should we do if we are tempted to do

something wrong because of pride or greed?

25

Although Jesus was perfect, he prayed constantly MAINTAIN CLOSE COMMUNICATION WITH JEHOVAH

Jehovah wants us to have the best life possible. (Psalm 1:1-3) He gives us the right direction at the right time.

(Read Hebrews 4:16.) Although Jesus was perfect, he depended on regular communication with Jehovah. Jesus prayed constantly. Jehovah supported and directed Jesus in wonderful ways. He sent angels to care for him, gave him holy spirit, and guided him to choose the 12 apostles. Jehovah even spoke from heaven to show that he supported and approved of Jesus.

(Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 6:12, 13; John 12:28) Like Jesus, we too need to pray constantly and from our heart. (Psalm 62:7, 8; Hebrews 5:7) Prayer helps us to remain close to Jehovah and to live in a way that honors him.

16 Jehovah does not force us to follow his advice, but he makes it easy to find if we want it. We need to ask for his holy spirit to guide us, and he will give it to us generously. (Read Luke 11:10-13.) The Bible says: “Pay attention to how you listen.” (Luke 8:18) For example, if we ask Jehovah to help us avoid immorality but we continue to look at pornography or watch immor15

al movies, we are showing that we do not really want his help. To get his help, we need to be in places or situations where Jehovah’s spirit is, such as at our congregation meetings. Many servants of Jehovah have avoided disaster by listening to Jehovah during our meetings. When they realized that they were developing a wrong desire, they corrected the problem.

—Psalm 73:12-17; 143:10.

CONTINUE LISTENING CAREFULLY TO JEHOVAH’S VOICE

We learn an important lesson from King David of Israel. As long as he relied on Jehovah, David was able to do mighty things. When he was young, he killed the giant Goliath. David later became a soldier, and then a king. His job was to protect and make good decisions for the nation of Israel.

But when he began to rely on himself, he was tricked by his own heart. He sinned with Bath-sheba and even murdered her husband. However, when Jehovah corrected him, David humbly listened, admitted his mistakes, and became Jehovah’s friend again.

—Psalm 51:4, 6, 10, 11.

18 At 1 Corinthians 10:12, we learn that we must not trust in ourselves.

The Bible clearly says that we cannot successfully guide ourselves, so we will be guided either by the voice of Jehovah or by the voice of Satan. (Jeremiah 10:23) It is vital that we pray constantly and follow the direction of the holy spirit. Yes, may we always listen carefully to Jehovah’s voice.

17

15. What can we learn from the example of Je-

sus?

16. How does Jehovah help us to hear his voice?

26

17. Why is it dangerous to rely on ourselves?

18. What can help us to keep listening to Jeho-

vah’s voice?

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

Are You Receiving “Food at the Proper Time”?

WE LIVE in the most difficult time of all human history. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Each day, our love for Jehovah and our obedience to his righteous standards are tested. Jesus knew that these times would be difficult, so he promised his followers that he would give them the encouragement they would need to endure to the end. (Matthew 24: 3, 13; 28:20) To provide this help, Jesus appointed a faithful slave to give spiritual “food at the proper time.”—Matthew 24:45, 46.

The faithful slave was appointed in 1919. Since then, the slave has provided spiritual food in many languages for God’s people. (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 22:17) However, the same amount of Bible literature is not available in all languages. Not everyone has access to our publications in electronic forms. For example, many are not able to view videos or articles published only on jw.org. Does this mean that some Christians do not have all the spiritual food they need? To find the answer, let us discuss four important questions.

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1

What is the main ingredient in the food that Jehovah provides?

When Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matthew 4:3, 4) Jehovah’s words are in the Bible. (2 Peter 1:20, 21) So the main ingredient in our spiritual food is the Bible.—2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Jehovah’s organization has provided the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This translation is available in whole or in part in over 120 languages, and each year more languages are added. Besides the New World Translation, billions of copies of other Bible translations are available in thousands of languages. This accomplishment is in harmony with God’s will that “all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) And because Jehovah knows the hearts of all people, we can be sure that he will draw those who are “conscious of their spiritual need” to his organization and provide spiritual food for them.

—Matthew 5:3, 6; John 6:44; 10:14; Hebrews 4:13.

Jehovah knows what we need and has given us enough in order to keep us spiritually strong

28

2

In what way are our publications a vital part of our spiritual food?

In order to have strong faith, a person must not only read the Bible but also understand it and apply what he learns. (James 1:22-25) This is what an Ethiopian man in the first century needed to do. When Philip the evangelizer saw this man reading God’s Word, Philip asked him: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” The man said: “Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me?” (Acts 8:26-31) Philip then helped the man to understand what he was reading. The man was so moved by what he learned that he decided to get baptized. (Acts 8:32-38) Similarly, our publications have helped us to understand the truth found in God’s Word. What we read affects our emotions and moves us to apply what we learn.—Colossians 1:9, 10.

Our publications provide us as Jehovah’s servants with plenty of good things to “eat” and “drink.” (Isaiah 65:13) For example, The Watchtower is available in over 210 languages. It explains prophecy, helps us to understand important truths, and motivates us to live by God’s principles. The Awake! magazine is available in about 100 languages. It helps us to learn more about Jehovah’s beautiful creation and teaches us how to apply the useful advice found in the Bible. (Proverbs 3:21-23; Romans 1:20) The faithful slave provides publications based on God’s Word in more than 680 languages! Do you take the time to read the Bible each day? Do you read each new magazine and all the new publications available in your language?

Jehovah’s organization also provides outlines for talks that are given at our meetings, assemblies, and conventions. Do you enjoy the talks, dramas, demonstrations, and interviews that are presented there? Yes, Jehovah provides us with an abundant supply of spiritual food!—Isaiah 25:6.

SIMPLIFIED EDITION

3

If you do not have access in your language to all the publications, does this mean that you do not have enough spiritual food?

The answer is no! We should not be surprised if some Christians receive more spiritual food than others. Why not? Take, for example, the apostles. In Jesus’ time, they received more instruction than other disciples in the first century. (Mark 4:10; 9:35-37) Still, the other disciples received the spiritual food they needed.—Ephesians 4:20-24; 1 Peter 1:8.

It is good to remember that most of what Jesus said and did while on earth is not written in the Bible. The apostle John wrote: “There are also, in fact, many other things that Jesus did, which if ever they were written in full detail, I suppose the world itself could not contain the scrolls written.” (John 21:25) Christians in the first century had more information about Jesus than we do. Still, we are not deprived. Why? Because Jehovah has made sure that we know enough about our Master, Jesus, so that we can follow his example.—1 Peter 2:21.

Think, too, of the letters sent by the apostles to congregations in the first century. At least one letter written by Paul was not included in the Bible. (Colossians 4:16) Does this mean that we do not have enough spiritual food because we do not have this letter? No. Jehovah knows what we need and has given us enough in order to keep us spiritually strong.—Matthew 6:8.

Some of Jehovah’s people have an abundance of spiritual food. But perhaps you speak a language in which only a few publications are available. If that is the case, know that Jehovah cares for you. Study the publications you do have, and attend the meetings in a language that you understand. In this way, your relationship with Jehovah will remain strong.—Psalm 1:2; Hebrews 10:24, 25.

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If you are not able to get information that is published on jw.org, will your faith weaken?

Copies of our magazines and other publications are published on our Web site. This site also contains information that helps married couples, parents, teenagers, and young children.

Families benefit by using this information for their family worship. Our Web site contains reports about special programs, such as Gilead graduations and the annual meeting, and provides updates about natural disasters and legal cases that affect Jehovah’s people. (1 Peter 5:8, 9) Also, the Web site is a very useful tool for our preaching work. It allows the good news to reach lands where our work is restricted or banned.

However, you can remain strong in the truth whether you have access to our Web site or not.

The slave has provided enough printed material so that all Christians receive the spiritual food they need. Thus, there is no reason to feel that you must buy an electronic device just to go on jw.org. Some have made arrangements to print a limited amount of information found on the Web site for those they know personally who do not have Internet access. But congregations are not required to do this.

We are grateful to Jesus for keeping his promise to give us what we need to remain spiritually strong. We can be confident that Jehovah will continue to provide spiritual “food at the proper time” until the end of this wicked world.

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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Jesus told the Sadducees that resurrected ones “neither marry nor are given in marriage.” (Luke 20:34-36) Was he talking about the resurrection on earth? ˇ This is an important question, especially if your marriage mate has died. You may have a strong desire to be reunited in marriage with your resurrected mate in the new world. One brother said: “My wife and I did not choose to end our marriage. It was our heartfelt desire to remain united in worship as husband and wife forever. These feelings have not changed for me.” Is there any reason to believe that those who are resurrected on earth will be able to marry? We cannot say.

For many years, our publications have said that Jesus’ words about the resurrection and getting married likely refer to the resurrection on earth. Also, our publications have said that in the new world, resurrected ones will most likely not marry.1 (See footnote.) (Matthew 22:29, 30; Mark 12:24, 25; Luke 20:34-36) However, is it possible that Jesus’ words refer to a resurrection to heaven? Without being definite about this matter, let us examine what Jesus said.

To whom was Jesus talking when he made that statement about the resurrection? (Read Luke 20:27-33.) He was talking to the Sadducees. This religious group did not believe in the resurrection and tried to trick Jesus with a question about the resurrection and brother-in-law marriage.2 (See footnote.) Jesus told them: “The children of this system of things marry and are given in 1 See The Watchtower, June 1, 1987, pages 30-31.

2 Brother-in-law marriage was a custom in Bible times.

If a man died and had no sons, his widow would marry his brother. This would allow a son to be born and the family name to continue.—Genesis 38:8; Deuteronomy 25:5, 6.

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marriage, but those who have been counted worthy of gaining that system of things and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. In fact, neither can they die anymore, for they are like the angels, and they are God’s children by being children of the resurrection.”—Luke 20:34-36.

Why have our publications said that Jesus was probably talking about a resurrection on earth? There are mainly two reasons.

First, it is likely that the Sadducees were referring to the resurrection on earth when they spoke to Jesus. So it seemed logical that Jesus would have answered them by speaking about a resurrection on earth. Second, Jesus ended his answer by referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These faithful men will receive a resurrection to life on earth.—Luke 20:37, 38.

However, it seems possible that Jesus was referring to a resurrection to heaven. What reasons do we have for saying this? Let us examine two statements in Jesus’ reply to the Sadducees.

“Those who have been counted worthy of gaining . . . the resurrection from the dead.”

Faithful anointed ones are “counted worthy of the Kingdom of God.” (2 Thessalonians 1: 5, 11) Because of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, God views the anointed as righteous. When they die, God views them as being free from sin. (Romans 5:1, 18; 8:1) Anointed ones are called “happy and holy” and are viewed as worthy of a resurrection to heaven. (Revelation 20:5, 6) This cannot be said about those who are resurrected to life on earth, beSIMPLIFIED EDITION

cause they will include “the unrighteous.”

(Acts 24:15) Can such “unrighteous” ones be “counted worthy” of a resurrection?

“Neither can they die anymore.” Jesus did not say: “They will not die anymore.”

Rather, he said: “Neither can they die anymore.” Other translations render that phrase “they are not subject to death any longer” and “death has no more power over them.” Anointed ones who remain faithful are resurrected to heaven. There they will be immortal. This means that they cannot die and that their life cannot be destroyed.

(1 Corinthians 15:53, 54) Death has no power over those resurrected to heaven.1—See footnote.

Based on the information we have discussed so far, what can we conclude? We learn that Jesus may have been referring to a resurrection to heaven. If so, then we understand three things about those who are resurrected to heaven: (1) They do not marry, (2) they cannot die, and (3) in some ways they are similar to angels in heaven. But if Jesus was referring to a resurrection to heaven, the following questions need to be answered.

First, the Sadducees were probably thinking about a resurrection on earth, so why would Jesus refer to a resurrection to heaven? Jesus did not always answer his enemies according to their way of thinking. For example, when some Jews asked Jesus to perform a miracle, he said: “Tear down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Jesus likely knew that they were thinking about the temple building, “but he was talking about the temple of his body.” (John 2: 18-21) Maybe Jesus did not feel that he had to answer the Sadducees, who were hypocrites. After all, they did not believe in the resurrection or in the existence of angels.

1 Those who are resurrected on earth will have the hope of living forever, not of being immortal. To learn more about the difference between these two hopes, see The Watchtower, April 1, 1984, pages 30-31.

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(Proverbs 23:9; Matthew 7:6; Acts 23:8) Instead, Jesus may have wanted to provide his disciples with details about the resurrection to heaven. They were sincere ones who would have the hope of going to heaven.

Second, why would Jesus end his discussion by referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? These men will be resurrected to life on earth. (Read Matthew 22:31, 32.) Before mentioning these faithful men, Jesus began his statement with the words “regarding the resurrection of the dead.” This phrase may allow for a change in the discussion from a resurrection to heaven to a resurrection on earth. Jesus knew that the Sadducees accepted the writings of Moses, so he quoted God’s words to Moses at the burning bush.

Jesus wanted to prove to the Sadducees that a resurrection on earth is part of God’s purpose.—Exodus 3:1-6.

Third, if Jesus’ words apply to the resurrection to heaven, does this mean that those who are resurrected on earth will be able to marry? God’s Word does not give a clear answer to that question. If Jesus was talking about the resurrection to heaven, then his words do not explain whether resurrected ones on earth will be able to marry in the new world.

The Bible definitely says that death brings an end to a marriage. So if your marriage mate has died, you should not feel guilty if you decide to remarry. That is a personal decision. And no one should criticize a person who seeks the warm companionship of a marriage mate.—Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 7:39.

We may have many questions about how life will be in the new world. Instead of trying to guess the answers to these questions, we must simply wait and see. But one thing is certain: Those who obey God will be happy, because Jehovah will satisfy all their needs and desires in the best way.

—Psalm 145:16.

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DID YOU KNOW?

In Bible times, why did people sometimes rip their clothes apart?

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Free downloads of this magazine and other publications are available on www.jw.org

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of Jerusalem’s temple, some rabbis felt that this rule was no longer needed. They reasoned that if a person ripped apart his clothes every time he heard someone say God’s name, soon all his clothes would be ruined.

Many Jews tore their clothes apart simply because it was their custom or because they wanted to appear righteous. But what Jehovah cared about most was how a person felt in his heart, that is, whether he was truly repentant. That is why Jehovah told his people: “Rip apart your hearts, and not your garments, and return to Jehovah your God.”—Joel 2:13.

You can also read the New World Translation online

Visit www.jw.org, or scan code

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THE Bible mentions different situations in which people tore their clothes apart. Today, Bible readers might think it is strange that people would purposely rip the clothes they were wearing. But this was not an unusual custom for Jews in ancient times. They ripped apart their clothes to express strong emotion, such as shame, anger, or mourning.

For example, the Bible says that when Reuben found out that his brothers had sold Joseph as a slave, Reuben was shocked and “ripped his garments apart.” When their father, Jacob, was told that his son Joseph had been killed by a wild animal, he “ripped his garments apart.” (Genesis 37:18-35) Job “ripped apart his garment” when he heard that all his children had been killed. (Job 1:18-20) A messenger ripped his clothes apart when he brought the tragic news to High Priest Eli that the Israelites had been defeated in battle, that Eli’s two sons had been killed, and that the ark of the covenant had been captured. (1 Samuel 4:12-17) And when Josiah’s secretary read to him the words of the Law, Josiah “ripped his garments apart” because he realized that the Israelites were sinning against Jehovah.

—2 Kings 22:8-13.

During Jesus’ trial, High Priest Caiaphas “ripped his outer garments” when he accused Jesus of blasphemy. (Matthew 26:59-66) The Jewish rabbis taught that it was blasphemy to use God’s name. So they made a rule that if anyone heard God’s name spoken out loud, he had to rip his clothes apart. But later, after the destruction