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Did God Create the Devil?

The Bible shows that God did not create the Devil.

Instead, He created the person who became the Devil.

Regarding God, the Bible says: “Perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:3-5)

From that statement, we can conclude that Satan the Devil was at one time perfect and righteous, namely, one of God’s angelic sons.

At John 8:44, Jesus said that the Devil “did not stand fast in the truth,” implying that Satan had at one time been truthful and guiltless.

However, like the rest of Jehovah’s intelligent creatures, the angel who became Satan had the freedom to choose between right and wrong.

By choosing a course in opposition to God and inciting the first human couple to join him, he made himself Satan, which means “Resister.”—Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 12:9.

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Cult?

No, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult. Rather, we are Christians who do our best to follow the example set by Jesus Christ and to live by his teachings.

What is a cult?

The term “cult” means different things to different people. However, consider two common perceptions regarding cults and why those perceptions don’t apply to us.

1) Some think of a cult as being a new or unorthodox religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses have not invented a new religion.

On the contrary, we pattern our worship after that of the first-century Christians, whose example and teachings were recorded in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:​16, 17)

We believe that the Holy Scriptures should be the authority on what is orthodox in matters of worship.

2) Some think of a cult as being a dangerous religious sect with a human leader.

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not look to any human as their leader. Rather, we adhere to the standard that Jesus set for his followers when he stated: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.”​—Matthew 23:10.

Far from being a dangerous cult, Jehovah’s Witnesses practice a religion that benefits themselves and others in the community.

For example, our ministry has helped many people to overcome harmful addictions, such as the abuse of drugs and alcohol. In addition, we conduct literacy classes around the world, helping thousands learn to read and write.

And we are actively involved in disaster relief.

We work hard to have a positive impact on others, just as Jesus commanded his followers to do.​—Matthew 5:​13-​16.

"The life of every sort of flesh is in it blood" - Leviticus 17:14

To God blood represent life, so since life is sacred blood is also Sacred.

"Keep abstaining from blood" - Act 15:28,29

Genesis 9:4
Leviticus 17:10

Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Accept Blood Transfusions?

Common misconceptions

1) Myth:
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t believe in medicine or medical treatment.


Fact:
We seek the best possible medical care for ourselves and our families. When we have health problems, we go to doctors who have skill in providing medical and surgical care without blood.

We appreciate advancements that have been made in the medical field. In fact, bloodless treatments developed to help Witness patients are now being used to benefit all in the community.

In many countries, any patient can now choose to avoid blood-transfusion risks, such as blood-borne diseases, immune-system reactions, and human errors.

2) Myth:
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that faith will heal a person’s ailments.

Fact: We do not practice faith healing.

3) Myth:
Avoiding blood transfusions is very costly.

Fact:
Medical treatments that avoid blood transfusions are cost-effective.

4) Myth:
Many Witnesses, including children, die each year as a result of refusing blood transfusions.

Fact:
This statement is totally unfounded. Surgeons regularly perform such complex procedures as heart operations, orthopedic surgery, and organ transplants without the use of blood transfusions.

Patients, including children, who do not receive transfusions usually fare as well as or better than those who do accept transfusions.

In any case, no one can say for certain that a patient will die because of refusing blood or will live because of accepting it.


Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses accept blood transfusions?

This is a religious issue rather than a medical one. Both the Old and New Testaments clearly command us to abstain from blood. (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10; Deuteronomy 12:23; Acts 15:28, 29)

Also, God views blood as representing life. (Leviticus 17:14) So we avoid taking blood not only in obedience to God but also out of respect for him as the Giver of life.

Changing viewpoints

Complex surgeries can be successfully performed without blood transfusions

At one time, the medical community generally viewed strategies for avoiding transfusions, so-called bloodless medicine, as extreme, even suicidal, but this has changed in recent years.

For example, in 2004, an article published in a medical education journal stated that “many of the techniques developed for use in Jehovah’s Witness patients will become standard practice in years to come.”

An article in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation said in 2010 that “‘bloodless surgery’ should not be limited to J[ehovah’s] W[itnesses] but should form an integral part of everyday surgical practice.”

Thousands of doctors worldwide now use blood-conservation techniques to perform complex surgeries without transfusions. Such alternatives to blood transfusions are used even in developing countries and are requested by many patients who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Jehovah's witnesses is a Christian denomination, they have surprised the world with the following ;

(1) Their World most translated Website - www.jw.org

JW.org is their official website and the world most translated Website out of all 1.9 billion website worldwide, it's being translated into more than 1,055 languages.

(2) World most Visited Faith and believe Website.

Their official website boast of being most Visited Religious website out of 77,000 worldwide.

(3) Their Bible is the world most translated Bible Version - New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

(4) They produce the world most Circulating Magazine ;

(a) Watchtower - 42 million copies per issue

(b) Awake - 41 million copies per issue


(5) Most translated app - JW Library App

Some others Jehovah's witnesses Apps are :

1 Watchtower Online Library

2 JW.Org Log In

3 JW Library

4 Watchtower Library

5 JW library Sign Language

6 JW Languages


(6) MEPS

They singlehandedly produce MEPS a one of it kind computer system that print magazines in so many different languages.


They are many more awesome wonders of Jehovah's witnesses that may interest you.

Google them for clarification if you wish.

Read More about them on www.jw.org

Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are We?

We come from hundreds of ethnic and language backgrounds, yet we are united by common goals. Above all, we want to honor Jehovah, the God of the Bible and the Creator of all things. We do our best to imitate Jesus Christ and are proud to be called Christians. Each of us regularly spends time helping people learn about the Bible and God’s Kingdom. Because we witness, or talk, about Jehovah God and his Kingdom, we are known as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

What do Jehovah's witnesses believe?

As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. This article summarizes our basic beliefs.

God

We worship the one true and Almighty God, the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:​11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.​—Exodus 3:6; 32:11; John 20:17.

Bible.

We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired message to humans. (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:​16) We base our beliefs on all 66 of its books, which include both the “Old Testament” and the “New Testament.” Professor Jason D. BeDuhn aptly described it when he wrote that Jehovah’s Witnesses built “their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible without predetermining what was to be found there.” a

While we accept the entire Bible, we are not fundamentalists. We recognize that parts of the Bible are written in figurative or symbolic language and are not to be understood literally.​—Revelation 1:1.

Jesus

We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 5:​31) Thus, we are Christians. (Acts 11:26) However, we have learned from the Bible that Jesus is not Almighty God and that there is no Scriptural basis for the Trinity doctrine.​—John 14:28.

The Kingdom of God

This is a real government in heaven, not a condition in the hearts of Christians. It will replace human governments and accomplish God’s purpose for the earth. (Daniel 2:​44; Matthew 6:​9, 10) It will take these actions soon, for Bible prophecy indicates that we are living in “the last days.”​—2 Timothy 3:​1-5; Matthew 24:​3-​14.

Jesus

Jesus is the son of God. He is the King of God’s Kingdom in heaven. —Revelation 11:15.

Salvation

Deliverance from sin and death is possible through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 4:​12) To benefit from that sacrifice, people must not only exercise faith in Jesus but also change their course of life and get baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20; John 3:​16; Acts 3:​19, 20) A person’s works prove that his faith is alive. (James 2:​24, 26) However, salvation cannot be earned​—it comes through “the undeserved kindness of God.”​—Galatians 2:​16, 21.

Heaven

Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the faithful angels reside in the spirit realm. b (Psalm 103:19-​21; Acts 7:​55) A relatively small number of people​—144,000​—will be resurrected to life in heaven to rule with Jesus in the Kingdom.​—Daniel 7:​27; 2 Timothy 2:​12; Revelation 5:​9, 10; 14:​1, 3.

Earth

God created the earth to be mankind’s eternal home. (Psalm 104:5; 115:16; Ecclesiastes 1:4) God will bless obedient people with perfect health and everlasting life in an earthly paradise.​—Psalm 37:11, 34.

Evil and suffering

These began when one of God’s angels rebelled. (John 8:​44) This angel, who after his rebellion was called “Satan” and “Devil,” persuaded the first human couple to join him, and the consequences have been disastrous for their descendants. (Genesis 3:​1-6; Romans 5:​12) In order to settle the moral issues raised by Satan, God has allowed evil and suffering, but He will not permit them to continue forever.

Death

People who die pass out of existence. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:​5, 10) They do not suffer in a fiery hell of torment.

God will bring billions back from death by means of a resurrection. (Acts 24:15) However, those who refuse to learn God’s ways after being raised to life will be destroyed forever with no hope of a resurrection.​—Revelation 20:14, 15.


Family

We adhere to God’s original standard of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, with sexual immorality being the only valid basis for divorce. (Matthew 19:​4-9) We are convinced that the wisdom found in the Bible helps families to succeed.​—Ephesians 5:22–​6:1.

Our worship

We do not venerate the cross or any other images. (Deuteronomy 4:​15-​19; 1 John 5:​21) Key aspects of our worship include the following:

1. Praying to God.​—Philippians 4:6.

2. Reading and studying the Bible.​—Psalm 1:​1-3.

3. Meditating on what we learn from the Bible.​—Psalm 77:12.

4. Meeting together to pray, study the Bible, sing, express our faith, and encourage fellow Witnesses and others.​—Colossians 3:​16; Hebrews 10:23-​25.

5. Preaching the “good news of the Kingdom.”​—Matthew 24:14.

6. Helping those in need.​—James 2:​14-​17.

7. Constructing and maintaining Kingdom Halls and other facilities used to further our worldwide Bible educational work.​—Psalm 127:1.

8. Sharing in disaster relief.​—Acts 11:27-​30.


Our organization

We are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders. However, the elders do not form a clergy class, and they are unsalaried. (Matthew 10:8; 23:cool We do not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at our meetings. (2 Corinthians 9:7) All our activities are supported by anonymous donations.

The Governing Body, a small group of mature Christians who serve at our world headquarters, provides direction for Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.​—Matthew 24:45.

Our unity

We are globally united in our beliefs. (1 Corinthians 1:​10) We also work hard to have no social, ethnic, racial, or class divisions. (Acts 10:34, 35; James 2:4) Our unity allows for personal choice, though. Each Witness makes decisions in harmony with his or her own Bible-trained conscience.​—Romans 14:​1-4; Hebrews 5:​14.

Our conduct

We strive to show unselfish love in all our actions. (John 13:34, 35) We avoid practices that displease God, including the misuse of blood by taking blood transfusions. (Acts 15:28, 29; Galatians 5:​19-​21) We are peaceful and do not participate in warfare. (Matthew 5:9; Isaiah 2:4) We respect the government where we live and obey its laws as long as these do not call on us to disobey God’s laws.​—Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:​29.

Our relationships with others.

Jesus commanded“You must love your neighbor as yourself.” He also said that Christians “are no part of the world.” (Matthew 22:39; John 17:16) So we try to “work what is good toward all,” yet we remain strictly neutral in political affairs and avoid affiliation with other religions. (Galatians 6:​10; 2 Corinthians 6:​14) However, we respect the choices that others make in such matters.​—Romans 14:12.

If you have further questions about the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you can read more about us on our website www.jw.org, contact one of our offices, attend a meeting at a Kingdom Hall near you, or speak to one of the Witnesses in your area.

Am one of Jehovah's witnesses. We remain politicaly neutral because we believe in accordance with the Bible that human rulers can't solve human problems.

Jesus said we should pray for God's kingdom to come because that's the only solution to mankind problems.

Jesus focuses on preaching the good news of the kingdom and we are doing same.

We take payment of tax and others dues and obligations to government seriously. We obey government laws that are not in contrary to God's laws like fighting during wars.

Despite this our stance we respect others people's choice and decisions on political matters. That's why we don't mostly talk politics.

Our principal stated that he/his disciples are not part of the world.

He rejected political positions of his days and focuses on the good news of the kingdom, we as well try our very best to imitate him and do as he said.

Thanks 🙏

What Does It Mean to ‘Honor Your Father and Mother’?

The commandment to “honor your father and your mother” appears often in the Bible. (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 6:2, 3) It involves four key actions.

1) Appreciate them.

You honor your father and mother when you are thankful for all they have done for you. You can show your appreciation by valuing their guidance. (Proverbs 7:1, 2; 23:26) The Bible encourages you to view your parents as your “glory,” that is, to be proud of them.—Proverbs 17:6.

2) Accept their authority.

Especially while you are young, you honor your father and mother when you recognize the authority God has given them. Colossians 3:20 tells young ones: “Be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” Even young Jesus willingly obeyed his parents.—Luke 2:51.

3) Treat them with respect.

(Leviticus 19:3; Hebrews 12:9) This often involves what you say and how you say it. True, some parents at times act in ways that make it hard to respect them. Even then, children can honor their parents by avoiding disrespectful speech and actions. (Proverbs 30:17) The Bible teaches that speaking abusively of one’s father or mother is a serious offense.—Matthew 15:4.

4) Provide for them.

When your parents get old, they may need practical support. You can honor them by trying your best to make sure that they have what they need. (1 Timothy 5:4, For instance, shortly before he died, Jesus arranged for the care of his mother.—John 19:25-27.

Misconceptions about honoring one’s father and mother


1. Misconception:
To honor your father and mother, you must let them control your marriage.

Fact:
The Bible teaches that the marriage bond takes priority over other family relationships. Genesis 2:24 says: “A man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife.” (Matthew 19:4, 5) Of course, married couples can benefit from the advice of their parents or in-laws. (Proverbs 23:22) However, a couple may rightly decide to set boundaries limiting the involvement of relatives in their marriage.​—Matthew 19:6.

2. Misconception:
Your father and mother have ultimate authority.

Fact: Although God gave parents authority within the family, all human authority has limits—it never overrules God’s authority. For instance, when a high court ordered Jesus’ disciples to disobey God, they replied: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:27-29) Likewise, children obey their parents “in union with the Lord,” that is, in all things that do not conflict with God’s laws.—Ephesians 6:1.

3. Misconception:
Honoring your father and mother requires you to follow their religious beliefs.

Fact: The Bible encourages us to test what we are being taught to see whether it is the truth. (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) An individual who does so may eventually choose a faith that differs from that of his parents. The Bible mentions a number of faithful servants of God who did not follow the religion of their parents, including Abraham, Ruth, and the apostle Paul.—Joshua 24:2, 14, 15; Ruth 1:15, 16; Galatians 1:14-16, 22-24.

4. Misconception:
To honor your father and mother, you must share in traditional rites of ancestor worship.

Fact: The Bible says: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Luke 4:8 ) A person who worships his ancestors is displeasing to God. Moreover, the Bible teaches that “the dead know nothing at all.” They are not aware of any homage rendered to them; neither can they help or harm the living.​—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Isaiah 8:19.

“Believe in Jesus”​—Is Belief in Jesus Enough for Salvation?

Christians believe that Jesus died for the sins of humankind. (1 Peter 3:18) However, salvation requires more than believing in Jesus as Savior. The demons know that Jesus is “the Son of God,” but they face destruction, not salvation.—Luke 4:41; Jude 6.


What must I do to be saved?

1) You must believe that Jesus sacrificed his life for our sins. (Acts 16:30, 31; 1 John 2:2)
This includes believing that Jesus was a real person and that all of what the Bible account says about him is accurate.

2) Learn what the Bible really teaches. (2 Timothy 3:15)
The Bible says that the apostle Paul and Silas told a jailer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will get saved.” Then, after that, they began to teach “the word of Jehovah” a to the jailer. (Acts 16:31, 32)

This indicates that the jailer could not truly believe in Jesus unless he had a basic understanding of God’s Word. He needed accurate knowledge based on the Scriptures.—1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

3). Repent. (Acts 3:19)
You must also repent, or feel deep sorrow, over previous wrong attitudes and conduct. Your repentance will be obvious to others as you stop practices that offend God and do “works that befit repentance.”—Acts 26:20.

4)Get baptized. (Matthew 28:19) Jesus said that those who become his disciples would be baptized. The jailer mentioned earlier was baptized. (Acts 16:33) Similarly, after the apostle Peter taught a large crowd the truth about Jesus, “those who gladly accepted his word were baptized.”—Acts 2:40, 41.

5) Obey Jesus’ instructions. (Hebrews 5:9)
Those who “observe all the things” that Jesus commanded show by their life course that they are his followers. (Matthew 28:20) They become “doers of the word and not hearers only.”—James 1:22.

6) Endure to the end. (Mark 13:13) Jesus’ disciples “need endurance” in order to be saved. (Hebrews 10:36) For example, the apostle Paul maintained strict obedience to Jesus’ teachings and loyalty to God, and he endured in this course from the day he became a Christian until he died.—1 Corinthians 9:27.


Bible verses about belief in Jesus and salvation

Matthew 24:13: “The one who has endured to the end will be saved.”

Meaning:
To gain salvation, people must maintain their faithfulness throughout their life.

Acts 16:30, 31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will get saved.”

Meaning:
Belief in Jesus is necessary to attain salvation.

1 Timothy 2:3, 4: “This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”

Meaning:
Belief in Jesus must be based on accurate knowledge of Bible truth.

Hebrews 5:9: “[Jesus] became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.”

Meaning:
To gain salvation, people must both know and obey Jesus’ commands.

“Believe in Jesus”​—Is Belief in Jesus Enough for Salvation?

Christians believe that Jesus died for the sins of humankind. (1 Peter 3:18) However, salvation requires more than believing in Jesus as Savior. The demons know that Jesus is “the Son of God,” but they face destruction, not salvation.—Luke 4:41; Jude 6.


What must I do to be saved?

1) You must believe that Jesus sacrificed his life for our sins. (Acts 16:30, 31; 1 John 2:2)
This includes believing that Jesus was a real person and that all of what the Bible account says about him is accurate.

2) Learn what the Bible really teaches. (2 Timothy 3:15)
The Bible says that the apostle Paul and Silas told a jailer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will get saved.” Then, after that, they began to teach “the word of Jehovah” a to the jailer. (Acts 16:31, 32)

This indicates that the jailer could not truly believe in Jesus unless he had a basic understanding of God’s Word. He needed accurate knowledge based on the Scriptures.—1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

3). Repent. (Acts 3:19)
You must also repent, or feel deep sorrow, over previous wrong attitudes and conduct. Your repentance will be obvious to others as you stop practices that offend God and do “works that befit repentance.”—Acts 26:20.

4)Get baptized. (Matthew 28:19) Jesus said that those who become his disciples would be baptized. The jailer mentioned earlier was baptized. (Acts 16:33) Similarly, after the apostle Peter taught a large crowd the truth about Jesus, “those who gladly accepted his word were baptized.”—Acts 2:40, 41.

5) Obey Jesus’ instructions. (Hebrews 5:9)
Those who “observe all the things” that Jesus commanded show by their life course that they are his followers. (Matthew 28:20) They become “doers of the word and not hearers only.”—James 1:22.

6) Endure to the end. (Mark 13:13) Jesus’ disciples “need endurance” in order to be saved. (Hebrews 10:36) For example, the apostle Paul maintained strict obedience to Jesus’ teachings and loyalty to God, and he endured in this course from the day he became a Christian until he died.—1 Corinthians 9:27.


Bible verses about belief in Jesus and salvation

Matthew 24:13: “The one who has endured to the end will be saved.”

Meaning:
To gain salvation, people must maintain their faithfulness throughout their life.

Acts 16:30, 31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will get saved.”

Meaning:
Belief in Jesus is necessary to attain salvation.

1 Timothy 2:3, 4: “This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”

Meaning:
Belief in Jesus must be based on accurate knowledge of Bible truth.

Hebrews 5:9: “[Jesus] became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.”

Meaning:
To gain salvation, people must both know and obey Jesus’ commands.

Is Gambling a Sin?

Although the Bible does not discuss gambling in detail, we can discern from Bible principles that God views gambling as a sin.​—Ephesians 5:​17. a

Gambling is driven by greed, which God hates. (1 Corinthians 6:​9, 10; Ephesians 5:​3, 5)

Gamblers hope to gain money through the losses of others, but the Bible condemns coveting other people’s possessions.​—Exodus 20:17; Romans 7:7; 13:​9, 10.

Gambling, even for small amounts, can arouse a destructive love of money.​—1 Timothy 6:​9, 10.

Gamblers often rely on superstitions or luck. However, God views such beliefs as a form of idolatry, which is incompatible with his worship.​—Isaiah 65:11.

Rather than promote a desire to get something for nothing, the Bible encourages hard work. (Ecclesiastes 2:​24; Ephesians 4:​28) Those who follow the Bible’s advice can “eat food they themselves earn.”​—2 Thessalonians 3:​10, 12.

Gambling can arouse an unhealthy competitive spirit, which is disapproved in the Bible.​—Galatians 5:​26.

What Is the Sign of “the Last Days,” or “End Times”?

The Bible describes events, conditions, and attitudes that would mark “the conclusion of the [current] system of things,” or “the end of the world.” (Matthew 24:3; King James Version)

The Bible calls this time period “the last days” and the “time of the end,” or “end times.”—2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 8:19; Easy-to-Read Version.

What are some Bible prophecies about “the last days”?

The Bible foretold many things that together would be “the sign” to identify the last days. (Luke 21:7) Consider some examples:

War on a large scale.

Jesus foretold: “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.” (Matthew 24:7) Similarly, Revelation 6:4 foretold a symbolic horseman representing warfare that would “take peace away from the earth.”

Famine.

Jesus foretold: “There will be food shortages.” (Matthew 24:7) The book of Revelation foretold an additional symbolic horseman, whose ride would result in famine on a large scale.—Revelation 6:5, 6.

Great earthquakes.

Jesus said that there would be “earthquakes in one place after another.” (Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11) These great earthquakes around the world would cause suffering and loss of life on an unprecedented scale.

Disease.

According to Jesus, there would be pestilences, or epidemics of “terrible diseases.”—Luke 21:11, Contemporary English Version.

Crime.

Although crime has existed for centuries, Jesus foretold that in the last days, there would be an “increasing of lawlessness.”—Matthew 24:12.

Ruining of the earth.

Revelation 11:18 foretold that mankind would be “ruining the earth.” They would do so in many ways, not only through violent and corrupt actions but also by bringing harm to the environment.

Deteriorating attitudes.

At 2 Timothy 3:1-4, the Bible foretold that people in general would be “unthankful, disloyal, . . . not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride.” These attitudes would reach such extremes that the era could rightly be described as “critical times hard to deal with.”

Breakdown of the family.

At 2 Timothy 3:2, 3, the Bible foretold that many people would have “no natural affection” for their family and that children would be “disobedient to parents.”

Diminished love of God.

Jesus foretold: “The love of the greater number will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Jesus meant that love for God would grow cold in most people. Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:4 says that in the last days, such ones would be “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.”

Religious hypocrisy.

At 2 Timothy 3:5, the Bible foretold that people would appear to worship God but would not truly live by his standards.

Increased understanding of Bible prophecies.

The book of Daniel foretold that in “the time of the end,” many would gain increased knowledge of Bible truth, including accurate understanding of these prophecies.—Daniel 12:4, footnote.

A global preaching work.

Jesus foretold: “This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth.”—Matthew 24:14.

Widespread apathy and ridicule.

Jesus foretold that people in general would ignore the overwhelming evidence of the approaching end. (Matthew 24:37-39) More than that, 2 Peter 3:3, 4 foretold that some would ridicule the evidence, dismissing it completely.

All prophecies fulfilled.

Jesus said that the last days would be marked by the simultaneous fulfillment of all these prophecies, not just a few or even most of them.—Matthew 24:33.

Are we living in “the last days”?

Yes. World conditions as well as Bible chronology indicate that the last days began in 1914, the year World War I began.

Many people are distressed by these critical times. They are concerned that society itself is deteriorating. Some even fear for the future of humanity.

Meanwhile, others who are likewise distressed by world conditions have a hopeful outlook. They are convinced that God’s Kingdom will soon take action to rid the world of its problems. (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:3, 4) They wait patiently for God to fulfill his promises, and they find comfort in the words of Jesus: “The one who has endured to the end will be saved.”—Matthew 24:13; Micah 7:7.

Is God a Trinity?

Many Christian denominations teach that God is a Trinity. However, note what the Encyclopædia Britannica states: “Neither the word Trinity nor the explicit doctrine appears in the New Testament . . . The doctrine developed gradually over several centuries and through many controversies.”

In fact, the God of the Bible is never described as being part of a Trinity. Note these Bible passages:

“Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.”—Deuteronomy 6:4.

“You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”—Psalm 83:18.

“This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”—John 17:3.

“God is only one.”—Galatians 3:20.

Why do most Christian denominations say that God is a Trinity?

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

God created humans to engage in sex only within the arrangement of marriage between a male and a female. (Genesis 1:​27, 28; Leviticus 18:22; Proverbs 5:​18, 19)

The Bible condemns sexual activity that is not between a husband and wife, whether it is homosexual or heterosexual conduct. (1 Corinthians 6:​18) This includes intercourse, handling another person’s genitals, and engaging in oral or anal sex.

While the Bible disapproves of homosexual acts, it does not condone hatred of homosexuals or homophobia. Instead, Christians are directed to “respect everyone.”​—1 Peter 2:​17, Good News Translation.

Can a person be born homosexual?

The Bible doesn’t comment directly on the biology of homosexual desires, though it acknowledges that we are all born with a tendency to go against what God commands. (Romans 7:​21-​25)

Rather than focus on the cause of homosexual desires, however, the Bible prohibits homosexual acts.

How to please God despite having same-sex urges.

The Bible says: “Don’t be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex.” (Colossians 3:5, Contemporary English Version) To kill wrong desires, which lead to wrong actions, you need to control your thinking. If you regularly fill your mind with wholesome thoughts, you can more readily dismiss wrong desires. (Philippians 4:8; James 1:​14, 15)

While you may struggle greatly at first, it can become easier. God promises to help you to “be made new in the force actuating your mind.”​—Ephesians 4:​22-​24.

The same struggle is faced by millions with heterosexual desires who wish to conform to the Bible’s standards. For example, those who are single with little prospect of marriage or who are married to a partner who is unable to function sexually choose to control their sexual urges despite any temptations they might face. They are able to live happily, and those with same-sex urges can do so as well if they truly want to please God.​—Deuteronomy 30:19.

What Does the Devil Look Like?

The Devil is an invisible spirit person, which means that he does not have a physical appearance.—Ephesians 6:11, 12.

How does the Bible describe the Devil?

The Bible uses a number of analogies regarding the Devil. These help us to understand, not his appearance, but his personality. Some of these analogies include:

An angel of light. He pretends to offer something good to try to get people to follow his teachings rather than those of God.—2 Corinthians 11:14.

A roaring lion. He fiercely attacks God’s worshippers.—1 Peter 5:8.

A great dragon. He is frightful, powerful, and destructive.—Revelation 12:9.

Bible verses about the Devil
2 Corinthians 11:14: “Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light.”

Meaning: Satan pretends to be good in order to fool people into following his teachings rather than those of God.

Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil.”

Meaning: The Devil schemes to get people to disobey God.

James 4:7: “Subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.”

Meaning: A person can defeat Satan by obeying God rather than the Devil.

1 Peter 5:8: “Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”

Meaning: The Devil hates those who obey God and wants to destroy their friendship with Him.

How Can You Pray and Be Heard?

Jehovah God is the “Hearer of prayer.” (Psalm 65:2) We can speak to him anywhere and at any time, aloud or silently.

Jehovah wants us to address him as “Father,” and he really is the best Father we can have. (Matthew 6:9) Lovingly, Jehovah teaches us how to pray and be heard by him.

PRAY TO JEHOVAH GOD IN THE NAME OF JESUS

“If you ask the Father for anything, he will give it to you in my name.”​—John 16:23.

Jesus’ words clearly show that Jehovah wants us to pray to him, not through images, saints, angels, or departed ancestors, but in the name of Jesus Christ.

When we pray to God in Jesus’ name, we show that we recognize the vital role of Jesus. “No one comes to the Father except through me,” said Jesus.​—John 14:6.

SPEAK FROM THE HEART

“Pour out your hearts before him.”​—Psalm 62:8.

When we pray to Jehovah, we should speak as we would to a loving father. Instead of reading out of a book or reciting something memorized, we should speak to him respectfully and from the heart.

PRAY IN HARMONY WITH GOD’S WILL
“No matter what we ask according to his will, he hears us.”​—1 John 5:14.

In the Bible, Jehovah God tells us what he will do for us and what he wants us to do for him. For our prayers to be acceptable to God, we need to pray “according to his will.” To do so, we need to study the Bible so that we can get to know him well. If we do, our prayers will be pleasing to him.

WHAT MIGHT WE PRAY FOR?

Pray for Your Needs. We can pray to God for our daily needs​—food, clothing, and shelter. We might also pray for wisdom to make right decisions and for strength to endure our trials. We can pray for faith, for forgiveness, and for God’s help.​—Luke 11:3, 4, 13; James 1:5, 17.

Pray for Others.

Caring parents are pleased when their children love one another. Jehovah too desires that his children on earth care about one another. It is appropriate to pray for our mate, our children, our family, and our friends. “Pray for one another,” wrote the disciple James.​—James 5:16.

Express Thanks.

Of our Creator, the Bible says: “He did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying you with food and filling your hearts with gladness.” (Acts 14:17)

When we think about all that God has done for us, we will be moved to express our thanks to him in prayer. Of course, we should also show our gratitude to God by the way we live.​—Colossians 3:15.

BE PATIENT AND KEEP PRAYING

At times, we may feel disheartened because of not getting an immediate answer to our sincere prayers. Should we conclude that God is not interested in us? By no means!

The Bible records many of Jesus’ prayers. The best known is surely the one he taught his disciples. What can we learn from it?

The Lord’s Prayer​—A Model for You

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave his disciples a model prayer, often called the Lord’s Prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13; see also Luke 11:2-4.)

Over the centuries, this prayer has become so popular that many have memorized and repeated it word for word. Was that Jesus’ intention for this prayer? It hardly seems likely because earlier in that sermon, Jesus had told his disciples to avoid repetitive prayers. (Matthew 6:7)

Rather, Jesus was teaching his followers how to pray and what to pray about. Let us see what we can learn from the model prayer.

“Our Father in the heavens”

We should address our prayers only to God himself.

“Let your name be sanctified”

God’s name, Jehovah, should be honored and viewed as sacred.

“Let your Kingdom come”

God’s Kingdom is a heavenly government with Jesus as King, and it will soon exercise its rule over the entire earth.

“Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth”

God’s will is for humans to live forever on earth in peace and security.

“Give us today our bread for this day”

Jehovah is the one who provides the things we need to live.

“Forgive us our debts”

We all make many mistakes and need forgiveness.

Keeping those points in mind can help you to offer meaningful personal prayers.

The Truth About God and Jesus

Although humans worship many gods, there is only one true God. (John 17:3)

He is “the Supreme One,” the Creator of everything and the Source of all life. He alone is worthy of our worship.​—Daniel 7:18; Revelation 4:11.

What Is God’s Name?

God himself says: “I am Jehovah. That is my name.” (Isaiah 42:8 )

The personal name of God appears some 7,000 times in the Bible. However, many Bible translations improperly substitute this name with a title, such as “Lord.”

God wants you to be his friend, so he encourages you to “call on his name.”​—Psalm 105:1.

Jehovah’s Titles.

The Bible refers to Jehovah by such titles as “God,” “Almighty,” “Creator,” “Father,” “Lord,” and “Sovereign.” Many prayers are recorded in the Bible in which Jehovah is addressed by both a respectful title and his personal name, Jehovah.​—Daniel 9:4.

God’s Form.

God is an invisible spirit. (John 4:24) The Bible confirms that “no man has seen God.” (John 1:18)

The Bible reveals his feelings. People can cause him grief, or they can “bring pleasure to him.”​—Proverbs 11:20; Psalm 78:40, 41.

God’s Wonderful Attributes.

God is impartial toward people of all nations and backgrounds. (Acts 10:34, 35) He is also “merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) However, four attributes of God are especially appealing.

Power.

Since he is “God Almighty,” he has unlimited power to accomplish whatever he promises.​—Genesis 17:1.

Wisdom.

God’s wisdom surpasses that of anyone else. In that sense the Bible says that he “alone is wise.”​—Romans 16:27.

Justice.

God always does what is right. His actions are “perfect,” and he “is never unjust.”​—Deuteronomy 32:4.

Love.

The Bible says that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8 ) Not only does God show love​—he is the very personification of love. His superlative love influences everything he does, and it benefits us in many ways.

God’s Friendship With Humans.

God is our loving heavenly Father. (Matthew 6:9) If we put faith in him, we can be his friends. (Psalm 25:14) In fact, God invites you to draw close to him in prayer and to “throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”​—1 Peter 5:7; James 4:8.

What Is the Difference Between God and Christ?


Jesus Is Not God. Jesus is unique​—he is the only person created directly by God. That is why the Bible calls him God’s Son. (John 1:14)

After creating Jesus, Jehovah used his firstborn as “a master worker” to create everything and everyone else.​—Proverbs 8:30, 31; Colossians 1:15, 16.

Jesus Christ never claimed to be God. Instead, he explained: “I am a representative from [God], and that One sent me.” (John 7:29) When speaking to one of his disciples, Jesus called Jehovah “my Father and your Father” and “my God and your God.” (John 20:17)

After Jesus died, Jehovah resurrected him to life in heaven and gave him great authority at His right hand.​—Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:32, 33.

Jesus Christ Can Help You Draw Close to God
Jesus came to the earth to teach us about his Father. Jehovah himself said about Jesus: “This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.” (Mark 9:7)

Jesus knows God better than anyone else. He said: “No one knows who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.”​—Luke 10:22.


Jesus reflects God’s qualities perfectly.

Jesus imitated his Father’s qualities so closely that he could say: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9)

Jesus drew people to God by reflecting his Father’s love in his own words and deeds. He said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

He also said: “True worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him.” (John 4:23)
Imagine that! Jehovah is looking for people like you who want to know the truth about him.

OAM4J, prof800(m), UjSizzle(f), Mynd44, lalasticlala(m), Seun(m)

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How you can live forever!!!

Jehovah God, who is the Giver of life. (Acts 17:24, 25) The Bible also tells us about his Son, Jesus, who taught “sayings of everlasting life.”​—John 6:​67-​69.

Exercise faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus.

Jesus came to earth “to minister and to give his life as a ransom.” (Matthew 20:28) Jesus’ ransom sacrifice opened the way for humans to live forever in Paradise on earth. b (Psalm 37:29)

Jesus said: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:​16)

Note that more is required than simply believing in Jesus. We must ‘exercise faith in him,’ choosing to live in harmony with his teachings and with the will of his Father.​—Matthew 7:​21; James 2:​17.


Build a strong friendship with God.

God wants us to draw close to him and become his friend. (James 2:​23; 4:8 )
God is eternal. He will never die, and he wants his friends to live forever as well. Through his Word, God expresses what he wants for all who seek him: “May you enjoy life forever.”​—Psalm 22:26.

Misconceptions About Living Forever

Misconception:
Human efforts will result in everlasting life.

Fact:
Although some medical advances promise to increase the human life span, such efforts will not lead to everlasting life. Only God can give us everlasting life, because only he is “the source of life.” (Psalm 36:9) He promises to “swallow up death forever” and grant everlasting life to all faithful humans.​—Isaiah 25:8; 1 John 2:​25.

Misconception:
Only people of certain races will live forever.

Fact:
God does not show favoritism. On the contrary, “in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) People of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds who obey God can live forever.

Misconception:
Everlasting life will be boring.

Fact:
The offer of everlasting life comes from God, who loves us and wants us to be happy. (James 1:​17; 1 John 4:8 ) He knows that in order for us to be happy, we need purposeful work. (Ecclesiastes 3:​12) God promises that those who live forever on earth will have satisfying, meaningful work that will benefit them and their loved ones.​—Isaiah 65:22, 23.

Moreover, those who live forever will continue to learn new things about their Creator and his vast creative works.
He made humans with a desire to live forever and to learn about him, though they “will never find out the work that the true God has made from start to finish.” (Ecclesiastes 3:​10, 11) Thus, those who live forever will always have interesting things to learn and do.

What is Religion?

Religion is a form of worship. It includes a system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; these may be personal, or they may be advocated by an organization. Usually religion involves belief in God or in a number of gods; or it treats humans, objects, desires, or forces as objects of worship. Much religion is based on human study of nature; there is also revealed religion. There is true religion and false.

Why are there so many religions?

A recent tabulation concluded that there are 10 main religions and some 10,000 sects. Of these, some 6,000 exist in Africa, 1,200 in the United States, and hundreds in other lands.

Many factors have contributed to the development of new religious groups. Some have said that the various religions all represent different ways of presenting religious truth. But a comparison of their teachings and practices with the Bible indicates, rather, that the diversity of religions is because people have become followers of men instead of listening to God.

It is noteworthy that, to a large extent, teachings they hold in common, but that differ from the Bible, originated in ancient Babylon.

Who is the instigator of such religious confusion?

The Bible identifies Satan the Devil as “the god of this system of things.” (2 Cor. 4:4)
It warns us that “the things which the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to God.” (1 Cor. 10:20)

How vitally important, then, to make sure that we really are worshiping the true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and that our worship is pleasing to him!

Are all religions acceptable to God?

Judg. 10:6, 7:
“The sons of Israel again proceeded to do what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, and they began to serve the Baals and the Ashtoreth images and the gods of Syria and the gods of Sidon and the gods of Moab and the gods of the sons of Ammon and the gods of the Philistines. So they left Jehovah and did not serve him. At this Jehovah’s anger blazed against Israel.”

Meaning:
If a person worships any thing or any person other than the true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, it is evident that his form of worship is not acceptable to Jehovah.

Mark 7:6, 7:
“He [Jesus] said to them [the Jewish Pharisees and scribes]: ‘Isaiah aptly prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach as doctrines commands of men.”’”

Meaning:
Regardless of whom a group profess to worship, if they hold to doctrines of men instead of the inspired Word of God, their worship is in vain.

Rom. 10:2, 3:
“I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge; for, because of not knowing the righteousness of God but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”

Meaning:
People may have God’s written Word but lack accurate knowledge of what it contains, because they have not been taught properly. They may feel that they are zealous for God, but they may not be doing what he requires. Their worship is not going to please God, is it?