Questions Often Asked by Interested People

If God is love, why does he permit wickedness?

GOD does permit wickedness, and millions on earth willfully make a practice of it. For instance, they declare wars, drop bombs on children, scorch the earth, and cause famines. Millions smoke and get lung cancer, practice adultery and get sexually transmitted diseases, use alcohol to excess and get cirrhosis of the liver, and so on. Such people do not truly want all wickedness stopped. They only want the penalties for it eliminated. When they reap what they have sown, they cry out, "Why me?" And they blame God, as Proverbs 19:3 says: "A man's own folly wrecks his life, and then he bears a grudge against the LORD." (The New English Bible) And if God stopped their evildoing, they would protest their loss of freedom to do it!

Jehovah's main reason for permitting evil is to answer Satan's challenge. Satan the Devil said that God could not put men on earth who would be true to Him under test. (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-10) Jehovah allows Satan to remain to have opportunity to prove his challenge. (Exodus 9:16) Satan continues to bring woes now, to turn men against God, as he tries to prove his challenge. (Revelation 12:12) However, Job kept integrity. So did Jesus. True Christians do now.—Job 27:5; 31:6;Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.

I would like to believe in an earthly paradise where people live forever, but isn't that too good to be true?

Not according to the Bible. It seems too good to be true only because mankind has known the bad for so many centuries. Jehovah created the earth and told mankind to fill it with righteous men and women who would care for its plant and animal life and preserve its beauty instead of destroying it. (See pages 12 and 17.) Rather than that promised Paradise being too good to be true, the present sorrowful state is too bad to continue. Paradise will replace it.

How can I answer people who scoff and say that the Bible is a myth and is unscientific?

Faith in these promises is not a matter of credulity. "Faith follows the thing heard." By studying God's Word, its wisdom becomes apparent and faith grows.—Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1.

Biblical archaeology confirms much of the Bible's historical accuracy. True science harmonizes with the Bible. The following facts were in the Bible long before they were discovered by secular scholars: the order of stages through which the earth passed in its development, that the earth is round, that it hangs in space on nothing, and that birds migrate.—Genesis, chapter 1; Isaiah 40:22;Job 26:7; Jeremiah 8:7.

The inspiration of the Bible is shown by fulfilled prophecies. Daniel foretold in advance the rise and the fall of world powers, as well as the time when the Messiah would come and be put to death. (Daniel, chapters 2, 8; 9:24-27) Today, still other prophecies are being fulfilled, identifying these as "the last days." (2 Timothy 3:1-5;Matthew, chapter 24) Such foreknowledge is not within man's power. (Isaiah 41:23) For more confirmation, see the books The Bible—God's Word or Man's? and Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

How can I learn to answer questions on the Bible?

You must study the Bible and meditate on it, at the same time asking for God's spirit to direct you. (Proverbs 15:28; Luke 11:9-13) "If any one of you is lacking in wisdom," the Bible says, "let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him." (James 1:5) Also, there are Bible study aids worth consulting. Usually help from others is needed, as when Philip studied with the Ethiopian. (Acts 8:26-35) Jehovah's Witnesses conduct Bible studies free of charge with interested people in their homes. Feel free to request this service.

Why do many oppose Jehovah's Witnesses and tell me not to study with them?

There was opposition to Jesus' preaching, and he said that his followers also would be opposed. When some were impressed with Jesus' teaching, religious opposers retorted: "You have not been misled also, have you? Not one of the rulers or of the Pharisees has put faith in him, has he?" (John 7:46-48; 15:20) Many who advise you not to study with the Witnesses are either uninformed or prejudiced. Study with the Witnesses and see for yourself whether your Bible understanding increases or not.—Matthew 7:17-20.

Why do the Witnesses call on people who have their own religion?

In doing this they follow Jesus' example. He went to the Jews. The Jews had their own religion, but in many ways it had turned away from the Word of God. (Matthew 15:1-9) All nations have religions of some kind, whether so-called Christian or non-Christian. It is vitally important for people to hold beliefs that conform to God's own Word, and the efforts of the Witnesses to assist them in doing this constitute a showing of neighbor love.

Do the Witnesses believe that their religion is the only right one?

Anyone who is serious about his religion should think that it is the right one. Otherwise, why would he or she be involved in it? Christians are admonished: "Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) A person should make sure that his beliefs can be supported by the Scriptures, for there is only one true faith. Ephesians 4:5 confirms this, mentioning "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Jesus did not agree with the modern, relaxed view that there are many roads, many religions, all leading to salvation. Instead, he said: "Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it." Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they have found it. Otherwise, they would look for another religion.—Matthew 7:14.

Do they believe that they are the only ones who will be saved?

No. Millions that have lived in centuries past and who were not Jehovah's Witnesses will come back in a resurrection and have an opportunity for life. Many now living may yet take a stand for truth and righteousness before the "great tribulation," and they will gain salvation. Moreover, Jesus said that we should not be judging one another. We look at the outward appearance; God looks at the heart. He sees accurately and judges mercifully. He has committed judgment into Jesus' hands, not ours.—Matthew 7:1-5; 24:21; 25:31.

What financial contributions are expected of those attending meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses?

Regarding money contributions, the apostle Paul said: "Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) At the Kingdom Halls and convention auditoriums of Jehovah's Witnesses, no collections are ever taken. Boxes are placed so that it is convenient for any who wish to contribute to do so. No one knows what or if others give. Some are able to give more than others; some may not be able to give anything. Jesus showed the right view when he commented on the treasury box at the temple in Jerusalem and those contributing: It is one's capacity to give and the spirit of giving that count, not the amount of money.—Luke 21:1-4.

If I become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, would I be expected to preach as they do?

When one becomes filled with the knowledge of the promised earthly Paradise under Christ's Kingdom, one wants to share it with others. You will too. It is good news!—Acts 5:41, 42.

Doing this is an important way of showing that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Jesus is called "the faithful and true witness." When on earth he preached, saying: "The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near," and he sent out his disciples to do the same. (Revelation 3:14; Matthew 4:17; 10:7) Later, Jesus commanded his followers: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them." He also foretold that before the end, "this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations."—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.

There are many ways of declaring this good news. Conversation with friends and acquaintances often opens the way to do so. Some do it by writing letters or by using the telephone. Others mail literature containing material that they think an acquaintance would be especially interested in. Out of a desire to miss no one, Witnesses go from door to door with the message.

The Bible contains this warm invitation: "The spirit and the bride keep on saying: 'Come!' And let anyone hearing say: 'Come!' And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life's water free." (Revelation 22:17) Telling others about the Paradise earth and its blessings is to be done willingly, out of a heart filled with a desire to share this good news.

We are sure that you have other questions about Jehovah's Witnesses and their beliefs. Perhaps some issues are controversial in nature. We would like to answer your questions. Space is limited in this brochure, so we invite you to ask the Witnesses locally. You can do so either at their Kingdom Hall meetings or when they visit you in your home. Or you may send your questions to Watch Tower, using the appropriate address.

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Our Invitation to You

We have enjoyed talking to you through the pages of this brochure. We hope that you have enjoyed learning more about Jehovah's Witnesses. Please accept our invitation to visit us at our local Kingdom Hall. See how our meetings are conducted. See how we endeavor to share with others the good news of a paradise earth under Christ's Kingdom.

God has promised it. "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) Many centuries have passed. The waiting period approaches its end. World conditions signify this.

"As you behold the day drawing near," the apostle Paul said, "consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:24, 25) We invite you to heed Paul's advice by assembling with us.

Jehovah's Witnesses - Who Are They? What Do They Believe?

Who Are They?

IT IS the desire of Jehovah's Witnesses that you become better acquainted with them. You may have met them as neighbors and fellow employees or in other daily affairs of life. You may have seen them on the street, offering their magazines to passersby. Or you may have spoken briefly with them at your door.

They are

interested in you

Actually, Jehovah's Witnesses are interested in you and your welfare. They want to be your friends and to tell you more about themselves, their beliefs, their organization, and how they feel about people and the world in which all of us live. To accomplish this, they have prepared this brochure for you.

n most ways Jehovah's Witnesses are like everyone else. They have normal problems—economic, physical, emotional. They make mistakes at times, for they are not perfect, inspired, or infallible. But they try to learn from their experiences and diligently study the Bible to make needed corrections. They have made a dedication to God to do his will, and they apply themselves to fulfill this dedication. In all their activities they seek guidance from God's Word and his holy spirit.

They are dedicated to

God to do his will 

It is of vital importance to them that their beliefs be based on the Bible and not on mere human speculations or religious creeds. They feel as did the apostle Paul when he expressed himself under inspiration: "Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar." (Romans 3:4, New World Translation*) When it comes to teachings offered as Biblical truth, the Witnesses strongly endorse the course followed by the Beroeans when they heard the apostle Paul preach: "They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11) Jehovah's Witnesses believe that all religious teachings should be subjected to this test of agreement with the inspired Scriptures, whether the teaching is offered by them or by someone else. They invite you—urge you—to do this in your discussions with them.


They believe the
Bible is God's Word

From this it is apparent that Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the Bible as the Word of God. They consider its 66 books to be inspired and historically accurate. What is commonly called the New Testament they refer to as the Christian Greek Scriptures, and the Old Testament they call the Hebrew Scriptures. They rely on both of these, the Greek and the Hebrew Scriptures, and take them literally except where the expressions or settings obviously indicate that they are figurative or symbolic. They understand that many of the prophecies of the Bible have been fulfilled, others are in the course of fulfillment, and still others await fulfillment.

THEIR NAME

Jehovah's Witnesses? Yes, that is the way they refer to themselves. It is a descriptive name, indicating that they bear witness concerning Jehovah, his Godship, and his purposes. "God," "Lord," and "Creator"—like "President," "King," and "General"—are titles and may be applied to several different personages. But "Jehovah" is a personal name and refers to the almighty God and Creator of the universe. This is shown at Psalm 83:18, according to the King James version of the Bible: "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."

What About Living Together Before Marriage?

WOULD you buy a suit or a dress without first trying it on? Likely not. After all, if you later found that the garment did not fit, you would have wasted your time and money.

Many people apply a similar logic to marriage. They feel that it is better for a man and woman to live together before making a commitment to become husband and wife. ‘If things do not work out,’ they reason, ‘a man and woman can walk away without having to deal with the complex and costly process of divorce.

Perhaps some who feel that way have seen a married friend endure an abusive relationship. Or they may have witnessed the traumatic effects of a loveless marriage. As a result, they might view living together as a wise precaution.

What is the Bible’s viewpoint on this matter? To answer, we first need to consider what God’s Word has to say about the institution of marriage.

“One Flesh”

he Bible promotes a lofty view of marriage, and this is not surprising, for the arrangement was authorized and established by Jehovah God himself. (Genesis 2:21-24) From the beginning, Jehovah purposed that through marriage a man and woman would become “one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) After quoting the passage in the Bible where this is pointed out, Jesus added: “What God has yoked together let no man put apart.”—Matthew 19:6.

Granted, some who marry will later divorce.* When this occurs, however, it is not because of some lack in the marriage arrangement itself; rather, it is because of the failure of one or both mates to live up to their wedding vows.

To illustrate: Suppose a man and woman own a car, but they do not maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the car breaks down as a result, who is to blame? The manufacturer or the owners who failed to perform routine maintenance?

The same principle applies to marriage. When a husband and wife maintain their relationship and are determined to work out their problems by applying Bible principles, divorce is far less likely. There is a feeling of security in the marriage because a personal commitment has been made by each spouse. Marriage then becomes the basis for a loving relationship.

“Abstain From Fornication”

Still, some might wonder: ‘Why not live together first? Would not testing the relationship before making such a commitment show regard for the sanctity of marriage?’

The Bible’s answer is clear. Paul wrote: “Abstain from fornication.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) The term “fornication” refers to all sexual relations outside of marriage. That would include sex between a cohabiting couple, even if they intend to get married. According to the Bible, then, it would be wrong for a couple to live together—even if their intention was to marry later.

s the Bible’s view out of date? Some might think so. After all, in many lands, living together—with or without intending to marry—is considered normal. But think of the results. Have those who cohabit found the secret to family success? Are they happier than couples who marry? Do couples who live together before marriage have a higher rate of faithfulness after marriage? Studies indicate the contrary. Indeed, married couples who previously lived together have been found to experience higher levels of marital discord and eventual divorce.

“SINNING AGAINST HIS OWN BODY”

The Bible states: “He that practices fornication is sinning against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) In recent decades the truthfulness of those words has been underscored by the millions who have died from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. But that is not all. Studies suggest that depression and suicide attempts are more common among youths who are sexually active. Promiscuity also leads to unwanted pregnancy, which in some cases presents a temptation to abort the unborn. In view of the facts, we can conclude that the Bible’s moral code is not old-fashioned.

Some experts would say that such studies are flawed. “People who choose to marry without first [cohabiting] are already a different group of people than those who decide to [cohabit] first,” writes one psychologist. She asserts that living together is not the key factor; instead, the issue is “valuing the state of being married.”

Even if that is true, it simply underscores the importance of cultivating God’s view of marriage. The Bible says: “Let marriage be honorable among all.” (Hebrews 13:4) When a man and a woman vow to remain one flesh and then show honor for the marriage arrangement, they have a bond that cannot easily be severed.—Ecclesiastes 4:12.

So to return to the opening analogy, it does make sense to try on a suit or a dress before buying it. However, the parallel to that is not living together. Rather, it is taking sufficient time to get to know the person you are considering as a marriage mate. This vital but often overlooked step is one of many secrets of family success.

HAVE YOU WONDERED?

• Why does the Bible limit sexual intimacy to marriage partners?—Psalm 84:11; 1 Corinthians 6:18.
• What qualities should you look for in a mate?—Ruth 1:16, 17; Proverbs 31:10-31.

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*  The Bible allows for divorce and remarriage if a mate engages in sexual relations outside of marriage.—Matthew 19:9.

Kung Paano Ako Natulungan ng Bibliya

Paano ka Natulungan ng Bibliya?

July 1, 2008 nag umpisa po akong magtrabaho sa isang institusyon (AIE College) Dagupan City, di nagtagal nakakilala ako ng mga saksi ni Jehova, Laking tanong sa akin kung bakit sila naiiba sa nga nakilala ko, kaya nagkaroon ako ng interes para lubusan silang makilala,  Minsan ininvite ako ng isang araw sa kanilang  Special Assembly sa Bugallion Pangasinan, una palang nakita ko na ang kanilang kaayusan at di nagtagal nakipag aral ako sa kanila at regular na dumadalo sa kanilang pagpupulong mahigit isang taon bago ako nabautismohan nitong July 25, 2010, Laking pasasalamat ko po sa Diyos na Jehova sapagkat kung paano ako natulungan ng Bibliya  at binago niya ang aking buhay, Nagpapasalamat din ako sa  mga nag Bible Study sa akin, at sa pagpapatibay ng  pinakamamahal kung kaibigan. Balang araw nais ko rin ibahagi ang aking nga natutunan na nagmumula sa Bibliya.(Mateo 24:14)

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Isinisiwalat ng Bibliya na ang Maylikha sa sangkatauhan, si Jehova, ay isang Diyos ng kaawaan. (Awit 103:10-13) Hangarin niyang tulungan ang mga taong makasalanan upang makaabot sa kaniyang mga pamantayang-asal. (Isaias 1:18; 55:6-9) Halimbawa, pag-usapan natin ang sinaunang lunsod ng Colosas na kung saan karaniwan doon ang pakikiapid at pangangalunya. “Sa bagay ring iyon kayo man ay lumakad noong una nang kayo’y namumuhay sa mga iyan,” ang sabi ng isang liham sa Bibliya na ukol sa mga Kristiyano sa Colosas. (Colosas 3:5-7) Subalit, sa pamamagitan ng pampatibay-loob ng Salita ng Diyos at ng kapangyarihan ng kaniyang banal na espiritu, maraming mga taga-Colosas ang gumawa ng kapaki-pakinabang na mga pagbabago sa estilo ng kanilang pamumuhay. Sila’y naging mga tunay na Kristiyano.

Pag-isipan din ang mga tao sa sinaunang Corinto. Sila’y naroon sa isang imoral na lunsod na kung saan napakarami ang mga homoseksuwal at mga patutot. “Marami sa inyo ang ganiyan,” ang sabi ng isang liham sa Bibliya na para sa mga Kristiyanong naninirahan doon. “Ngunit kayo’y hinugasan nang malinis, ngunit kayo’y pinabanal na, ngunit kayo’y inaring-matuwid na sa pangalan ng ating Panginoong Jesu-Kristo at may espiritu ng ating Diyos.”—1 Corinto 6:9-11; tingnan ang Lucas 11:13.

Ganiyan ba rin ang nangyayari sa ngayon? Oo, sapagkat pagkatapos na mabasa ang mga nakaraang labas ng magasing ito, libu-libo ang natulungan na baguhin ang kanilang buhay upang mapaayon sa Bibliya. Nariyan ang halimbawa ng isang tin-edyer sa Aprika na hinahalay nang siya’y isang bata. Nang magtagal, siya’y napasangkot sa lahat ng uri ng imoralidad, kasali na ang lesbianismo. “Marahil ay sandaling magtatamasa ka ng kaligayahan sa sanlibutan,” ang sabi niya, “pero ito’y nagiging parang isang droga na ang resulta’y isang lumilipas at walang saysay na damdamin.” Dahil sa kawalang pag-asa, tinangka niya na magpatiwakal, subalit sa maselang na sandaling ito ay may nangyari na bumago ng kaniyang buhay. Siya’y nagsimulang dumalo sa mga pulong ng mga Saksi ni Jehova at kaniyang tinanggap ang payo na magbasa ng Bibliya sa araw-araw. Ito ang nagbigay sa kaniya ng lakas na mapagtagumpayan ang imoralidad. “Mas mabuti ang pakiramdam ko ngayon,” ang sabi niya. “Kagila-gilalas ang nagagawa ni Jehova para sa isang tao.”

Ang mga bata na lumalaki sa isang mahusay na pamilyang Kristiyano ay may bentaha. Ang mga magulang na Kristiyano ay dapat na magsumikap nang husto kung paano maipaliliwanag sa kanilang mga anak ang mga kababalaghan ng pag-aanak. (Efeso 6:4) Ang gayong mga anak ay matutulungan na igalang ang kanilang sangkap sa pag-aanak at huwag gawing laruan lamang ang mga ito. Ang pag-aabuso sa sarili ang malimit na unang hakbang tungo sa lalong malulubhang anyo ng imoralidad.

Sa ngayon, may apurahang pangangailangan na daigin ang mga gawang imoral. “Dahil sa mga bagay na iyon,” ang babala ng Bibliya, “ang galit ng Diyos ay dumarating.” (Colosas 3:5, 6) Oo, may hangganan ang awa ni Jehova. Siya’y isa rin namang Diyos ng katarungan. (Deuteronomio 32:4) Pagkatapos na banggitin sa hula ang makabagong-panahong ‘paglago ng katampalasanan,’ sinabi ni Jesus: “Kung magkagayon ay magkakaroon ng malaking kapighatian na hindi pa nangyayari buhat sa pasimula ng sanlibutan hanggang ngayon, oo, ni mangyayari pa man kailanman.” (Mateo 24:11, 12, 21) Kaya sa pamamagitan ng ganitong pagkilos ng Diyos ay matatapos ang katampalasanan at papasok naman ang isang matuwid na bagong sistema.—Awit 37:9-11, 29.

Do You Know God By Name?

Question (Pls comment this)
1. Can you Know God by Name?
2. What can you do to encourage a friend who is seriously ill?
3. Did God have a beginning?
4. What does God look for our hearth?

Satisfying Answers to Bible Questions

Some of the topics considered by Jehovah’s Witnesses in their Bible study program:

• What is God’s purpose for the earth?
• Where are the dead?
• Are we living in “the last days”?
• Why does God allow suffering?
• How can I make my family life happy?

Would you welcome a visit?
Even this troubled world, you can gain happiness from accurate Bible knowledge of God, his Kingdom, and his wonderful purpose for mankind. If you would welcome further information or would like to have someone visit you to conduct a free Bible study, please email at felixlorenzo88@yahoo.com, lixfe_57@yahoo.com

www.watchtower.org

Do You Allow God to Speak to You Every Day?

HOW often do you look at yourself in a mirror? For most of us, this is a daily practice—perhaps something we do several times every day. Why? Because we are concerned about our appearance.

Reading the Bible can be likened to peering into a mirror. (James 1:23-25) The message recorded in God’s Word has the power to allow us to see ourselves as we really are. It “pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit.” (Hebrews 4:12) In other words, it divides what we appear to be on the outside from what we really are on the inside. It shows us where adjustments are needed, just as a mirror does.

The Bible not only reveals where adjustments need to be made but also helps us to make those adjustments. The apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Notice, of the four benefits highlighted, three of them—reproving, setting things straight, and disciplining—involve adjustments in our attitude and actions. If we need to look regularly in a mirror to ensure that our appearance is acceptable, how much more so must we read God’s Word, the Bible, on a regular basis!

Upon appointing Joshua to lead the nation of Israel, Jehovah God told him: “This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Joshua 1:8) Yes, to be successful, Joshua needed to read God’s Word “day and night,” on a regular basis.

The first psalm likewise extols the benefits of regular Bible reading when it states: “Happy is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked ones, and in the way of sinners has not stood, and in the seat of ridiculers has not sat. But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night. And he will certainly become like a tree planted by streams of water, that gives its own fruit in its season and the foliage of which does not wither, and everything he does will succeed.” (Psalm 1:1-3) Surely we want to be like such a man.

Many people make it a daily habit to read the Bible. When asked why he reads the Bible every day, one Christian replied: “If I repeatedly pray to God during the day and expect him to hear me, why shouldn’t I also listen to God by reading his Word every day? If we want to be a good friend, why would we do all the talking?” He has a point. Reading the Bible is just like listening to God because we thereby get his viewpoint on matters.

Meeting the Challenge

Perhaps you have already tried to start a Bible reading program. Have you read the entire Bible from cover to cover? That is an excellent way to become more familiar with its contents. However, some have started many times to read the entire Bible, only to find that their program gets interrupted. Have you faced this challenge? What can you do to reach the goal of reading the entire Bible? Why not try the following two suggestions?

Schedule Bible reading into your daily routine. Select a time each day when you will most likely be able to do your Bible reading. Also plan a backup strategy. If for some reason you are unable to do your Bible reading at your preferred time, have another time selected so that you never let a day go by without reading God’s Word. In this way you will imitate the example of the ancient Beroeans. Of them, we are told: “They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”−Acts 17:11.

Can you set aside time each day for Bible reading?

Have a specific goal in mind. For example, if you read from three to five chapters of the Bible every day, you can read the entire Bible in just one year. The chart on the following page shows how this can be done. Why not make it your resolve to try this program? Under the heading “Date,” plan out when you will read each set of chapters. Then, in the box provided, check off the sections as you read them. Doing so will help you keep track of your progress.

Once you have read the entire Bible, why stop there? You can use the same schedule to read the entire Bible every year, perhaps starting each time from a different section. Or if you would like to complete your reading of the Bible at a slower pace, you can take two or three days to read each of the scheduled readings.

Each time you read the Bible, you will find new things that apply to your life—things that you have never noticed before. Why? “The scene of this world is changing,” and our lives and circumstances are changing constantly too. (1 Corinthians 7:31) Make it your firm determination, then, to look daily in the mirror of God’s Word, the Bible. In this way, you can be sure that you allow God to speak to you every day.—Psalm 16:8.

Mga Saksi ni Jehova—Sino Sila?

Mga Saksi ni Jehova—Sino Sila? Ano ang Pinaniniwalaan Nila?

HANGAD ng mga Saksi ni Jehova na higit mo silang makilala. Marahil ay nakilala mo na sila bilang mga kapitbahay at kasamahan sa trabaho o sa iba pang pang-araw-araw na mga gawain sa buhay. Marahil ay nakita mo na sila sa lansangan habang nag-aalok ng kanilang mga magasin sa mga nagdaraan. O marahil ay saglit mo na silang nakausap sa pintuan ng inyong bahay.

Ang totoo, interesado ang mga Saksi ni Jehova sa iyo at sa iyong kapakanan. Nais nilang maging kaibigan mo at higit pang masabi sa iyo ang tungkol sa kanilang sarili, sa kanilang mga paniniwala, sa kanilang organisasyon, at kung ano ang nadarama nila hinggil sa mga tao at sa daigdig na kinaroroonan nating lahat. Upang maisagawa ito, inihanda nila ang brosyur na ito para sa iyo.

Sa napakaraming bagay, ang mga Saksi ni Jehova ay katulad din ng iba. Sila’y may karaniwang mga problema—sa kabuhayan, pisikal, emosyonal. Sila’y nagkakamali paminsan-minsan, sapagkat hindi naman sila sakdal, kinasihan, o di-maaaring magkamali. Subalit nagsisikap silang matuto mula sa kanilang mga karanasan at matiyagang nag-aaral ng Bibliya upang magawa ang kinakailangang mga pagtutuwid. Gumawa na sila ng pag-aalay sa Diyos upang gawin ang kaniyang kalooban, at nagsisikap silang maisakatuparan ang pag-aalay na ito. Sa lahat ng kanilang ginagawa, hinahanap nila ang patnubay ng Salita ng Diyos at ng kaniyang banal na espiritu.

Nakaalay sila sa Diyos upang gawin ang kaniyang kalooban

Napakahalaga para sa kanila na ibatay sa Bibliya ang kanilang mga paniniwala at hindi sa mga haka-haka lamang ng tao o sa mga turo ng relihiyon. Nadarama nila ang kagaya ng nadama ni apostol Pablo nang siya ay magpahayag samantalang nasa ilalim ng pagkasi: “Masumpungan nawang tapat ang Diyos, bagaman ang bawat tao ay masumpungang sinungaling.” (Roma 3:4, Bagong Sanlibutang Salin*) Kung tungkol sa mga turong iniaalok bilang katotohanan sa Bibliya, lubos na sinasang-ayunan ng mga Saksi ang landasing sinunod ng mga taga-Berea nang marinig nila si apostol Pablo na nangangaral: “Tinanggap nila ang salita nang may buong pananabik ng kaisipan, na maingat na sinusuri ang Kasulatan sa araw-araw kung totoo nga ang mga bagay na ito.” (Gawa 17:11) Naniniwala ang mga Saksi ni Jehova na lahat ng mga turo ng relihiyon ay dapat sumailalim sa pagsubok na ito ng pagiging kasuwato ng kinasihang Kasulatan, maging ang turo ay mula sa kanila o mula sa iba. Kanilang inaanyayahan ka—hinihimok ka—na gawin ito sa iyong pakikipagtalakayan sa kanila.

Naniniwala sila na ang Bibliya ay Salita ng Diyos

Mula rito, maliwanag na ang mga Saksi ni Jehova ay naniniwala sa Bibliya bilang ang Salita ng Diyos. Kinikilala nila na ang 66 na aklat nito ay kinasihan at wasto ayon sa kasaysayan. Ang karaniwang tinatawag na Bagong Tipan ay tinutukoy nila bilang ang Kristiyanong Griegong Kasulatan, at ang Matandang Tipan naman ay tinatawag nilang Hebreong Kasulatan. Nananalig sila kapuwa sa dalawang ito, ang Griego at Hebreong Kasulatan, at inuunawa nila ito sa literal na paraan malibang maliwanag na ipinahihiwatig ng mga pananalita o tagpo na ang mga ito’y makasagisag o simboliko. Nauunawaan nila na marami sa mga hula ng Bibliya ang natupad na, ang iba ay kasalukuyang natutupad, at ang iba naman ay naghihintay pa ng katuparan.

ANG KANILANG PANGALAN

Mga Saksi ni Jehova? Oo, ganiyan nila tinutukoy ang kanilang sarili. Ito ay isang makalarawang pangalan na nagpapahiwatig na sila’y sumasaksi hinggil kay Jehova, sa kaniyang pagka-Diyos, at sa kaniyang mga layunin. Ang “Diyos,” “Panginoon,” at “Maylalang”—gaya ng “Presidente,” “Hari,” at “Heneral”—ay mga titulo at maikakapit sa maraming iba’t ibang tanyag na tao. Subalit ang “Jehova” ay isang personal na pangalan at tumutukoy sa kataas-taasang Diyos at Maylalang ng uniberso. Ipinakikita ito sa Awit 83:18, ayon sa bersiyong King James ng Bibliya: “Upang kanilang maalaman na ikaw lamang, na ang pangalan ay JEHOVA, ay kataas-taasan sa buong lupa.”