"THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE"---HOW?

The Bible’s Viewpoint

 

MILLIONS of people feel that they are free when, in fact, they are not. Many, for example, are enslaved to superstitions. Others fear the dead, whom they may try to appease with expensive offerings. Still others, unsure of what happens when a person dies, have an inordinate fear of death itself. Can such ones be set free from these mental, emotional, and even financial burdens? Yes! As the words of Jesus Christ quoted above show, the key to freedom is the truth. But what truth? Truth in general or truth of a specific kind?

Jesus did not leave us in doubt. “If you remain in my word,” he said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31, 32) Jesus’ “word,” his teachings, are found in the Bible.

When Jesus said “the truth will set you free,” he was primarily referring to being set free from sin and death. Nevertheless, knowing the truth about God’s Word also sets us free from such things as superstition, fear of the dead, and the inordinate fear of dying. How?

1. Freedom from superstition. Many believe that certain objects or certain numbers will bring bad luck. Others refrain from making important decisions unless they first look for a good omen or consult a horoscope or spirit medium.

How Bible truth sets free: In Bible times, some of God’s own people became superstitious, even to the point of worshipping “the god of Good Luck” and “the god of Destiny”! How did Jehovah God view this? “You kept doing what was bad in my eyes,” he said. (Isaiah 65:11, 12) God felt the same way about people consulting spirit mediums for guidance in life: “Anyone who consults a spirit medium . . . is something detestable to Jehovah.”—Deuteronomy 18:11, 12.

Superstitions and spirit mediums are harmful because they are “machinations of the Devil,” the one whom Jesus called “the father of the lie.” (Ephesians 6:11; John 8:44) If you wanted guidance on an important matter, would you consult a liar? Of course not! You are wise, therefore, to avoid anything connected with “the father of the lie.”

The key to making sound decisions in life is wisdom based on an accurate knowledge of Bible principles and God’s purpose for mankind. “Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment,” says Proverbs 2:6.

2. Freedom from fear of the dead. Many people believe that the “spirits” of dead ancestors can influence the living. These “spirits,” they feel, must be appeased with various sacrifices, lest they become angry. As a result, some people go deeply into debt to pay for sacrifices and lavish ceremonies.

How Bible truth sets free: The Bible tells us the truth about the state of the dead. Jesus, for instance, said that the dead are ‘asleep.’ (John 11:11, 14) What did he mean? The answer is found at Ecclesiastes 9:5: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” Yes, the dead are as if in a deep sleep, fully unconscious. In fact, they have ceased to exist and therefore can neither do us good nor cause us harm.

Some people, though, claim to have had contact with the dead. How could this be? Again, the Bible answers. It tells us that early in human history, a number of angels rebelled against God. (2 Peter 2:4) Called demons, these wicked spirits try to deceive mankind. (1 Timothy 4:1) One way they do that is by masquerading as the dead, thus fostering the lie that the dead are alive in another form or realm.

3. Freedom from inordinate fear of death. Death truly is an enemy, just as the Bible says. (1 Corinthians 15:26) Hence, we rightly fear death and try to put it off. Still, we need not have undue fear of death.

How Bible truth sets free: Besides revealing the truth about the state of the dead, the Bible also shows that God has purposed to restore the dead to life by means of a resurrection. “The hour is coming,” said Jesus, “in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his [Christ’s] voice and come out.”—John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.

In what form will they “come out”? Jesus gave us a preview when he resurrected a number of people from the dead. In each case, the person returned in human form—as his or her previous self. (Mark 5:35-42; Luke 7:11-17; John 11:43, 44) This fact harmonizes with the word “resurrection,” which means “standing up.” When speaking to his aged servant Daniel, God said: “You will rest [or sleep in death], but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:13) How those words must have comforted Daniel, enabling him to face death with courage and dignity!

Jesus’ commission, in part, was “to preach a release to the captives”—those in bondage to false beliefs. (Luke 4:18) Because his teachings are found in the Bible, they continue to liberate people every day. We sincerely hope that Bible truth will bring you lasting freedom.

HAVE YOU WONDERED?

How does Bible truth set us free from

● superstition?—Isaiah 8:19, 20; 65:11, 12.

● fear of the dead?—Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 11:11, 14.

● fear of death?—John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.

www.jw.org

THE LAST DAYS.......THEN WHAT?

 

SOME people shudder at the thought of “the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1) All they envision are critical times. So why have so many throughout the ages looked forward to them? Because the last days also indicate that better times are to come.


Sir Isaac Newton, for example, was convinced that the time of the end would result in a new era of global peace and prosperity under the Millennial Rule of God’s Kingdom. He stated that the prophecy of Micah 4:3, as well as that of Isaiah 2:4, would be fulfilled at that time: “They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”

When Jesus spoke of the time of the end, he urged his followers to adopt a positive viewpoint. After telling of the hardship, anxiety, and fear that would prevail during the great tribulation, he said: “As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28) Deliverance from what?

What God Promises

War, civil strife, crime, violence, and hunger are a few of the things that plague humanity today and cause millions to live in fear and dread. Have any of these affected you? Then note what God promises:

“Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more . . . The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:10, 11.

 

“My people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting-places.”—Isaiah 32:18.

 

“[Jehovah] is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire.”—Psalm 46:9.

 

“They will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.”—Micah 4:4.

 

“There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.”—Psalm 72:16.

 

“As for the one listening to me, he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity.”—Proverbs 1:33.

Even if we are in a place where living conditions are relatively pleasant, we all face the prospect of sickness and death. These too will be gone in God’s new world. We can therefore look forward to seeing again our loved ones who have died. Note the following:

“No resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”—Isaiah 33:24.

 

“[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:4.

 

“As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing.”—1 Corinthians 15:26.

 

“The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear [Jesus’] voice and come out.”—John 5:28, 29.

The apostle Peter summed up all of this nicely when he wrote: “There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) For righteousness to exist earth wide, the removal of anyone who would disrupt that condition would be required. The same is true of the nations today, which cause much strife and bloodshed by selfishly seeking their own interests. All earthly rulerships will be replaced by the rulership of God’s Kingdom under Christ. Concerning that rule, we are assured: “To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite. The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.”—Isaiah 9:7.

These prospects can be yours, for the Bible assures us: “[God’s] will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) Do not delay. Take in the knowledge that means everlasting life. (John 17:3) Start by contacting the publishers of Watchtower magazine and requesting a free home Bible study.

www.jw.org

CAN YOU FIND PEACE IN THIS TROUBLED WORLD?

DO YOU live in peace? For many, the clear answer is no. They live in areas plagued by wars, political unrest, ethnic violence, or terrorism. Even if you are spared such calamities, you might find your peace disturbed by crime, harassment, and quarrels with business partners or neighbors. Families too are often like war zones rather than havens of peace.

Many people yearn for inner peace. They may search for it in religion, meditation seminars, or yoga groups. Others hope to find peace in nature—taking vacation trips, hiking in mountains and wilderness areas, or visiting natural spas. Even if the searchers seem to find some inner peace, they may soon come to realize that such peace is superficial and short-lived.

So where can you find real peace? The source of peace is our Creator, Jehovah God. Why? He is the “God who gives peace.” (Romans 15:33) Under the rule of his Kingdom that is soon to come, there will be an “abundance of peace.” (Psalm 72:7; Matthew 6:9, 10) This is far more than just a feeble peace settlement. Such accords often herald little more than a brief interruption in hostilities. But God’s peace will eliminate all causes of war and strife. In fact, no one will learn war anymore. (Psalm 46:8, 9) Real peace for all at last!

As beautiful as this hope is, you might nevertheless yearn for a measure of peace right now. Is there a way to find inner peace that can carry you through our troubled times? Happily, the Bible shows us the way. Consider some guidelines in the 4th chapter of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. You are invited to read verses 4 to 13 in your own Bible.

“The Peace of God”

In verse 7 we read: “The peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” This peace does not come through mere meditation or character development. Rather, it comes from God. This peace is so powerful that it “excels all thought.” It surely surpasses all our anxieties, knowledge, and reasoning. We might see no way out of our problems, but God’s peace can fill us with the well-founded hope that one day all our troubles will be gone.

Impossible? With men yes; but “all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27) Faith and trust in God help us to control our worries. Think of a young child lost in a big store. He knows for sure that all he has to do is find Mommy and everything will be fine again. Like that child when he is found, we can trust that God will take us in his arms, so to speak. He will soothe us and finally chase away all our anxieties.

Many worshippers of Jehovah have experienced the peace of God under the most severe trials. For example, consider Nadine, who lost her unborn baby. She relates: “I find it hard to talk about my feelings, and I always try to keep a stiff upper lip. But inside, I was brokenhearted. Almost every day, I poured out my heart to Jehovah in prayer and begged him for help. I have felt the power of prayer, for whenever I was at my worst and thought, ‘I can’t go on any longer,’ I experienced inner serenity and peace. I felt safe and secure.”

Protection for Your Heart and Mind

Let us go back to Philippians 4:7. It says that the peace of God will guard our hearts and mental powers. Just as a sentry guards his post, the peace of God guards our heart, so that materialistic philosophies, unnecessary anxieties, and ungodly values do not enter. Consider an example.

Many people in this troubled world believe that in order to be happy and secure, they need substantial financial assets. On the advice of experts, they may invest some of their savings in stocks. Do they then really feel at peace? Not necessarily. They may anxiously check the share prices every day, wondering whether to sell, buy, or hold. When the stock market takes a downturn, they may panic. The Bible certainly does not condemn making investments, but it does offer this sound insight: “A mere lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income. This too is vanity. Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, regardless of whether it is little or much that he eats; but the plenty belonging to the rich one is not permitting him to sleep.”—Ecclesiastes 5:10, 12.

Philippians 4:7 concludes by saying that the peace of God guards our hearts and mental powers “by means of Christ Jesus.” What connection is there between Christ Jesus and the peace of God? Jesus plays the key role in the fulfillment of God’s purpose. Jesus gave his life so that we may be delivered from sin and death. (John 3:16) He is also the enthroned King of God’s Kingdom. Knowing the role that Jesus has can contribute greatly to our peace of mind and heart. How so?

If we sincerely repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice, God will extend forgiveness, which contributes to our peace of mind and heart. (Acts 3:19) When we realize that life cannot be enjoyed to its fullest extent until the coming of Christ’s Kingdom, we avoid frantically living as if this life is all there is. (1 Timothy 6:19) Of course, we are not spared all trouble, but we can find comfort in the sure hope that the best life is yet to come.

How You Can Find God’s Peace

So how can you find God’s peace? We find some hints at Philippians 4:4, 5, where we read: “Always rejoice in the Lord. Once more I will say, Rejoice! Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near.” When Paul wrote those words, he was unjustly imprisoned in Rome. (Philippians 1:13) Instead of lamenting his unfair treatment, he encouraged his fellow believers always to rejoice in the Lord. His joy clearly depended, not upon his circumstances, but upon his relationship with God. We too need to learn to enjoy serving God whatever our circumstances. The better we know Jehovah and the more fully we do his will, the more we will enjoy serving him. That, in turn, will bring us satisfaction and inner peace.

In addition, we are encouraged to be reasonable. If we cultivate reasonableness, we will not expect too much of ourselves. We know that we are not perfect; we cannot be the best in everything. So why lose sleep pondering how to be perfect or, at least, better than everybody else? Neither will we expect others to be perfect. Therefore, we can keep calm when they rub us the wrong way. Another rendering of the original Greek word translated “reasonableness” is “yieldingness.” If we are yielding in matters of personal preference, we avoid quarrels, which often are of little profit but which can take away peace with others as well as our inner peace for a period of time.

The next statement at Philippians 4:5, “the Lord is near,” may seem to be out of context. God will soon come to replace this old system of things with a new one under his Kingdom. But even now he can be near to everyone who draws close to him. (Acts 17:27; James 4:8) Being aware of his closeness helps us to rejoice, to be reasonable, and not to be anxious about today’s problems or the future, as verse 6 brings out.

When we look at verses 6 and 7, we recognize that the peace of God is a direct consequence of prayer. Some view prayer merely as a form of meditation, thinking that any form of prayer can further their inner calmness. The Bible, however, speaks of genuine communication with Jehovah, a communication as intimate as when a child shares his joys and worries with a loving parent. How soothing to know that we can come to God “in everything.” Whatever is on our minds or deeply buried in our hearts, we can confide in our heavenly Father.

Verse 8 encourages us to concentrate on positive thoughts. It is not enough, however, just to think of positive things. As verse 9 explains, we also have to put the good advice of the Bible into practice. Doing so will give us a clean conscience. How true the proverb is: A good conscience is a soft pillow!

Yes, you can find inner peace. It comes from Jehovah God, who gives it to those who draw close to him and who want to follow his guidance. By an examination of his Word, the Bible, you can become familiar with his thoughts. Applying his directions is not necessarily easy. But it is worth all the effort because “the God of peace will be with you.”—Philippians 4:9.

www.jw.org

COPING JOYFULLY in a HECTIC WORLD

MOST PEOPLE COPE WITH THE PRESSURES OF LIFE, BUT FEW COPE JOYFULLY. THAT TAKES A SPECIAL KIND OF WISDOM.

ACKNOWLEDGING this, the book The 24-Hour Society says: “We need to develop the wisdom to protect human needs and nature in the technological world we have created.”

Happily, practical wisdom is readily available in the most widely distributed book in the world—God’s Word, the Bible. Inspired by the One who understands human needs and nature perfectly, the Bible contains tried-and-tested principles. Applying these principles can help you to gain more control over your life, giving you at least a measure of joy as you cope in today’s hectic world.—Isaiah 48:18; 2 Timothy 3:16.

These principles address three main areas. First, they point out where you can do some judicious pruning. Second, they can help you set sound priorities. Third, they provide a spiritual perspective on life that is far superior to a purely secular viewpoint. Let us now consider these three areas.

Keep Life Simple and Uncluttered

Imagine that you are going camping for a few days. You want to be comfortable, so you take along a large tent with every conceivable accessory. You also take a trailer loaded with furniture, cooking equipment, a freezer, a portable generator, lights, a TV, and many other items, including food. However, setting up all these things takes you many hours! Then, at the end of your short vacation, you take as much time packing up again—not to mention stowing everything away at home. Looking back, you realize that you did not have enough time to enjoy camping! You wonder whether it was worth all the effort.

For millions of people today, life itself is a little like that camping trip. They spend an inordinate amount of time obtaining and maintaining the endless number of material things this world would have us believe we need in order to be happy. In contrast, Jesus Christ said: “Even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) Yes, quality of life is not measured in terms of material wealth. In fact, riches often add to life’s stresses and anxieties. “The plenty belonging to the rich one is not permitting him to sleep,” says Ecclesiastes 5:12.

So take a good look at each of your possessions, and ask yourself, ‘Is this thing really needed, or is it clutter? Does it add to the quality of my life, or does it steal valuable time?’ The introduction to the book Why Am I So Tired?, by Leonie McMahon, observes: “The invention of various appliances, intended to take the drudgery out of housework, has resulted in the housewife having to take up an outside job, in order to buy them and pay for their maintenance.”

When you simplify your life, you make more time for family, friends, and yourself. Such time is vital to your happiness. Do not be like those who discover too late in life that friends and family are far more important—and interesting—than money and things. Only people can love you. Bank accounts, stock portfolios, computers, television sets, and other gadgets, though they may have their place, are the husk of life, not its kernel. Those who give such things their priority cheapen their lives and eventually become dissatisfied or even bitter.—1 Timothy 6:6-10.

Manage Time and Set Priorities

In some respects managing time is like balancing a financial budget. If you try to squeeze too many things into the limited hours you have available, you are not living within your means timewise. Such a life-style inevitably leads to frustration, stress, and weariness. So learn to set priorities.

First, determine what the more important things are, and assign sufficient time to these. For Christians, spiritual pursuits always have top priority. (Matthew 6:31-34) If important matters are rushed or handled superficially, serious problems often follow. Hence, you may need to cull out anything that consumes time but yields poor returns.

In setting priorities, take into account your need for a little solitude—time for constructive meditation and for recharging your own batteries. “Meaningful alonetime,” says the journal Psychology Today, is “a necessary tonic in today’s rapid-fire world. . . . Alonetime is fuel for life.” People who are too busy to meditate can become superficial in their attitude toward life.

Modesty and Spirituality

Modesty and spirituality are two of the best assets you could possibly have when it comes to living a happy, balanced life. Modesty is important because it helps you to avoid taking on unrealistic work loads and responsibilities. If you are modest, you will know when to say no to overtime work or other activities that would encroach on something more important. Modest people are not envious of what others have and do; hence, they tend to be more content. Genuine modesty, in turn, is a facet of spirituality, another vital key to gaining more control over our lives.—Micah 6:8; 1 John 2:15-17.

Spirituality based on accurate knowledge of the Bible makes you a more discerning and perceptive person—someone who is not fooled by cheap, secular definitions of success. You take to heart the sage advice of 1 Corinthians 7:31: “[Let] those making use of the world [be] as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing.” Christians are “making use of the world” when providing materially for themselves and their families, but they do not let this world swallow them up. They know that it offers no real security, that soon it will be completely done away with, and that real success—security and everlasting life on a paradise earth—depends on a person’s standing with God. (Psalm 1:1-3; 37:11, 29) So heed Jesus’ admonition, and invest wisely by storing up “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”—Matthew 6:20.

Avoid Anxiety and Find True Peace

As this present system comes to its close, stress and demands on your time will no doubt increase. How important, therefore, that you strive to apply the Bible’s counsel: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” Such peace is beyond the reach of anyone of a purely secular bent who sees no value in prayer.—Philippians 4:6, 7.

Yet, Jehovah will do even more than give you peace of mind. He will help you carry your load of responsibility every day if you “throw all your anxiety upon him.” (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 68:19) It is therefore wise to listen to God each day by reading a portion of his Word. Who could possibly give you better advice than your Creator? (Psalm 119:99, 100, 105) Yes, experience has shown that those who put God in the center of their life are greatly helped to cope joyfully in today’s hectic world.—Proverbs 1:33; 3:5, 6.

For more informative reading please go to www.jw.org

LOVE---HAVE YOU FOUND THE KEY?

 WHY is love so important for Christians? Because of the kind of God they worship. The apostle John described him in these words: “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Just as many parents hope that their children will follow in their footsteps, so Jehovah God wants Christians to try to be like him. Thus, the apostle Paul urged: “Become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love.”—Ephesians 5:1, 2.

Love also balances the other Christian qualities. In the days of Jesus, the Jews—particularly their leaders—were diligent students of the Bible. But consider what Jesus said to them: “You are searching the Scriptures, because you think that by means of them you will have everlasting life; . . . but I well know that you do not have the love of God in you.” (John 5:39, 42; Luke 11:42) If they had had love as well as knowledge, they would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah. As it was, most of them lost out on the opportunity to be among the first members of the Christian congregation.

 Thus, love is the key Christian quality. Who should be the object of this love? Jesus tells us: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. The second, like it, is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’”—Matthew 22:37-39.

In fact, a Christian’s love goes even further. Jesus also said: “Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you; that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44, 45) In other words, a Christian’s love embraces almost everyone!  

For more informative reading please go to www.jw.org

THE POWER OF A KIND WORD

 A heart bowed down with anxiety, how a kind word can refresh it!”—Proverbs 12:25, Knox.

CHRISTIANS are not immune to adversity. At times they experience anxiety because of living in these “critical times hard to deal with.”—2 Timothy 3:1.

When suffering such calamity, what a blessing it is to hear kind words from a loyal friend! “A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress,” says the Bible. (Proverbs 17:17) The faithful man Job was known for being this type of friend. Even Eliphaz said of him: “When someone stumbled, weak and tired, your words encouraged him to stand.”—Job 4:4, Today’s English Version.

However, when Job himself needed encouragement, Eliphaz and his companions did not utter kind words. They blamed Job for his adversity, implying that he must have had some secret fault. (Job 4:8) The Interpreter’s Bible comments: “What Job needs is the compassion of a human heart. What he gets is a series of absolutely ‘true’ and absolutely beautiful religious clichés and moral platitudes.” So distraught was Job at hearing the speech of Eliphaz and his companions that he was compelled to cry out: “How long will you men keep irritating my soul and keep crushing me with words?”—Job 19:2.

Never should we cause anyone to cry out in distress because of our thoughtless, unkind words. (Compare Deuteronomy 24:15.) A Bible proverb warns: “What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.”—Proverbs 18:21, TEV.

Recognizing the power of speech, let us follow the example of the apostle Paul. While in Macedonia, he was “encouraging the ones there with many a word.”—Acts 20:

www.jw.org