The Watchtower, July 15, 1964
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The Watchtower — July 15, 1964
Source: jw.org
Contents
Where Is the Neighbor Love?
What Is The Name?
Meeting Today’s Problems with Courage
Faithful Endurance in the “Time of the End”
Jehovah Makes an Exalted Name for Himself
From Small Beginnings to Spiritual Prosperity
Questions From Readers
Announcements
Where Is the Neighbor Love?
Where Is the Neighbor Love?
“OH MY God! He stabbed me! Please help me! Please help me! I’m dying! I’m dying!” Thus the young woman, pretty Kitty Genovese, called out for help. But in vain. Later, thirty-eight persons in the well-to-do neighborhood of Kew Gardens in Queens, New York city, admitted to the police that they saw this crime committed but did nothing about it; that is, nothing until it was too late.—New York Times, March 14, 27, 1964.
Just a month later a young man, a mental patient, climbed out on a twelfth-story ledge of a hotel in Albany, New York, intending to commit suicide. For two hours he paced the ledge, smoking cigarettes and debating what to do, at times even leaning over as if preparing to jump. Down below crowds gathered, eventually some 4,000 according to police estimates. Among those watching some shouted: “Jump! Jump! Jump!” Typical delinquent teen-ager talk was also heard: “Aw c’mon, you’re chicken.” “Jump! What’s the matter, ya yellow?” A girl, who could not have been more than ten years old, climbed on a five-foot pedestal, waved her arms and yelled: “I’m gonna jump. I’m gonna jump.” One young woman was heard saying to her escort: “I wish he would jump and get it over with. If he doesn’t hurry up we’ll miss our last bus.” Vainly several city officials and a Catholic bishop tried to lure the young man off the perilous ledge. At last, however, his seven-year-old nephew succeeded in getting him to change his mind and permit himself to be led back to safety by the hand of this child.—New York Times, April 15, 1964.
Why do people act in this way? How could so many persons watch a young woman stabbed to death—the attacker returned several times over a period of thirty-five minutes to stab her again and again—and yet do nothing about it? In fact, there were far more than thirty-eight that witnessed it; thirty-eight admitted witnessing it. Many others who were known to have seen it denied doing so. Clergymen, psychiatrists and social scientists or sociologists discussed the incident and offered various explanations. One sociologist termed the course of those people “non-rational behavior.” But was it nonrational?
The fact is that those persons could give reasons for their failure to act, even though afterward many of them were ashamed for having failed to do something. The most common reason given was that they did not want to get involved. That may be a rational excuse but is it a valid one? Could they not at least immediately have called the police? Neighbor love would have indicated doing at least that much.
In some respects the Albany incident, where teen-agers and others tried unsuccessfully to get the young man to commit suicide, might be said to be an even worse blot on those who talked and acted in such a way. They proved themselves to be potential murderers, for had they succeeded in influencing the young man to commit suicide, his blood would have been upon their shoulders. What causes people to have such a warped outlook on life as to want to experience the thrill of seeing a young man commit suicide? Why do they betray such a lack of neighbor love?
No doubt some of the blame for such a calloused frame of mind must be attributed to the crime and violence that are daily being shown on television and motion-picture screens. When people daily watch such violence they become hardened to it and so welcome seeing it in real life as being even more thrilling. However, it is not as though there were nothing else to watch. There are programs and films that in fact cultivate empathy, understanding and fellow feeling. How much better to fill our minds with such upbuilding things!
Fallen human nature is inherently selfish, but it can be weaned away from thinking only of its own pleasure and advantage by feeding the mind on the right kind of mental food. And no better food along this line is to be found than in the Word of God, the Bible. It stresses neighbor love from Genesis to Revelation, both directly and indirectly, by commands and by examples and illustrations. Thus by recording the murderer Cain’s hypocritical words after having killed his brother—”Am I my brother’s guardian?”—it exposes and condemns his hardheartedness. Likewise the last book of the Bible, in recording the command regarding the water of life, “Let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’” is tacitly preaching neighbor love.—Gen. 4:9; Rev. 22:17.
In particular did Jesus Christ preach neighbor love. He showed that the second-greatest commandment was, “You must love your neighbor as yourself,” and gave us the “Golden Rule”: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.” If you were being stabbed, would you want someone to call the police? If you were so disturbed mentally as to want to commit suicide, would you want to be egged on to do it or would you want others to show kindness and concern for your welfare?—Mark 12:31; Luke 6:31.
How pertinent here is Jesus’ illustration of the Good Samaritan! A man had been robbed, beaten and left half dead by the roadside. A priest and a Levite, two persons having status among the Jews, even as did the people in Kew Gardens, ignored the plight of the victim. A despised Samaritan, who in Jesus’ day was discriminated against, even as in many places Negroes today are being discriminated against, then came along and, seeing the plight of the victim, “was moved with pity. So he approached him and bound up his wounds . . . Then he brought him to an inn and took care of him.” What a fine illustration of showing neighbor love!—Luke 10:30-34.
Jesus also said: “The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” As opportunity affords, therefore, lend a helping hand in the little things of life, at home, at your place of employment and in your congregation, and then in time of crisis you will respond as you should. Of course, this would include your comforting with the everlasting good news about God’s kingdom those who sigh and cry for the detestable things they see being done.—Luke 16:10; Ezek. 9:4.
What Is The Name?
What Is The Name?
Should we use a name for God? If so, how is it pronounced?
“WHY did they stop putting God’s name, ‘Jehovah,’ in the Bible?” asked a letter to the religious section of the Washington, D.C., Evening Star of September 30, 1961. The question was answered by a clergyman who said: “The chief reason for this name being omitted from most English Bibles is that it did not appear in the original Hebrew manuscript.”
In like manner, when the Revised Standard Version of the Bible was produced in 1952 its translators eliminated the use of the name “Jehovah,” saying: “The word ‘Jehovah’ does not accurately represent any form of the Name ever used in Hebrew.”
Similarly, when the Roman Catholic publication Our Sunday Visitor of October 1, 1961, commented on the name “Jehovah” it said: “Jehovah is a Christian mistake. The name was neither written nor pronounced like that by the Jews.”
The thinking represented by these examples is common to the religious leaders of Christendom. They generally argue that using the name “Jehovah” when referring to Almighty God is incorrect. Hence, many of them eliminate it from their Bible translations, and from their speeches, writings and worship as well. Yes, the major religions of Christendom have practically abandoned using a name for the Creator and contend that titles such as “Lord” or “God” are sufficient.
DOES GOD HAVE A NAME?
From all this the average person who is unfamiliar with Biblical scholarship might conclude that there is no name for God, that the term “Jehovah” is an invention that has no basis in fact. So a fundamental question to ask now is: “Does God have a name?”
Where would you go to find the answer to this question? If someone doubted that you had a name, would it not be the most logical thing to inquire of you? Yes, because you would be in the best position to answer, although it would seem to be a very foolish question to you since you had used your name all your life!
In the same way it would be most logical to inquire of God himself as to whether he has a name. Where can we go to do this? To the record he inspired by his holy spirit, which record is the Holy Bible. In that Word of God it states, according to the Roman Catholic Douay version: “Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name.” (Matt. 6:9) A more recent translation, the Revised Standard Version, states at Psalm 22:22: “I will tell of thy name to my brethren.” The widely used King James Version renders Isaiah 12:4 this way: “And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.” The Catholic Knox translation of Jesus’ words at John 17:6 says: “I have made thy name known.”
While there are many more scriptures from many more translations that could be quoted to show the same thing, must we not forcefully conclude from these samples that God has a name? All reasonable persons would have to acknowledge, Yes. But is that name “God” or “Lord”? No, for these are not names but titles, much as you might be called “Mister” or “Sir.”
That it is vital to know the name of God and to use it, God’s own Word makes clear, for at Romans chapter 10, verse 13, which is a quotation from Joel chapter 2, verse 32, it states: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”—Catholic Douay version.
The evidence from God’s Word is therefore conclusive that God indeed has a name and that it is important for life seekers to know it and to use it. Doubting that God has a name is much more foolish than doubting that you have a name.
WHY ANY DIFFICULTY?
While there is no doubt that God does have a name, the question still remains, What is it?
In the Hebrew portion of the Scriptures that name is clearly spelled out for us in four Hebrew letters, called the tetragrammaton. These four Hebrew letters are the equivalent of our four English letters YHWH (or JHVH). The previously mentioned article in the Washington Evening Star said in this regard that the divine name “was spelled in Hebrew letters which are equivalent to YHWH.” Said Our Sunday Visitor: “It was written with consonants only: YHWH.” The preface of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible spoke of “the four consonants YHWH of the Name.”
Since the Hebrew letters of the Divine Name are so well known, why should there be any difficulty in determining what the name is? The difficulty comes in translating the ancient Hebrew language. In the ancient Hebrew writing only consonants were used, no vowels. Those who spoke it supplied vowel sounds by their knowledge of Hebrew pronunciation.
It is because the Divine Name is represented by four Hebrew consonants, and no vowels, that the difficulty presents itself. Those familiar with Hebrew, as were Jesus and the ancient Hebrews before him, certainly well knew and correctly pronounced the name, since it was found 6,962 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. But especially after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., the correct pronunciation gradually came to be lost. Added to this was the apostate Jewish superstition that it was a sin to pronounce the Divine Name, which superstition, of course, was not shared by Jesus, the early Christians, or the ancient faithful Hebrews. So in time the proper pronunciation of YHWH became generally unknown.
Vowel signs in Hebrew copies of the Bible came into use first in the seventh century of our Common Era. These signs indicated which vowel sounds were to be used when reading the all-consonant Hebrew text. But because of the superstition of not pronouncing the Divine Name, the vowel signs for Elohim (God) and Adonay (Lord) were inserted to warn the reader to say those words instead of the Divine Name. By combining those warning vowel signs with the four Hebrew consonants, the pronunciations Yehowihʹ and Yehowahʹ were formed, from which we derive “Jehovah” in the English language. It was thus introduced into English translations of the Bible, including the King James Version of about 350 years ago.
Although the exact pronunciation of the Divine Name in Hebrew is not known today, what pronunciation might be the closest? A recent Roman Catholic version, The Holy Bible, edited by Monsignor T. O’Connell, commenting on Exodus 3:14, says: “I am who am: apparently this utterance is the source of the word Yahweh, the proper personal name of the God of Israel.” The Revised Standard Version states: “It is almost if not quite certain that the Name was originally pronounced ‘Yahweh.’” The Evening Star article said: “If the name were to be spelled out it would be more correct to spell it as ‘Yahweh.’”
Yes, many Bible scholars acknowledge that “Yahweh” more nearly represents the Hebrew pronunciation of the Divine Name. But this also shows the inexcusability of the religions of Christendom for taking the Divine Name away from Bible translations and everyday worship! If the pronunciation “Yahweh,” or even another, is said to be more correct, then why do they not use it? What sense does it make to admit a more correct pronunciation and then eliminate its usage altogether? Truly, it is outright hypocrisy to defend one pronunciation over another and then never use either!
USE YOUR LANGUAGE
What pronunciation do Jehovah’s witnesses view as more correct? On page 25 of the foreword of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1950, the translators stated that they inclined “to view the pronunciation ‘Yah.weh,’ as the more correct way.”
If the publishing agency for Jehovah’s witnesses recognizes that “Yahweh” is more correct, why do they use “Jehovah” in their translation, writing and worship instead? Because the form “Jehovah” has been familiar to people for many centuries, and that form of The Name, just as faithfully as other forms, preserves the sounds of the four consonants of the tetragrammaton. Furthermore, we do not speak Hebrew today! We speak other languages. When we speak English, for example, then we use the English pronunciation of the Divine Name, which is “Jehovah.” In other languages the divine name is pronounced differently, although quite similarly most of the time.
Those who reject the English “Jehovah” and insist on using the Hebrew pronunciation would do well to ask themselves why they say “Jesus Christ,” when that was not the way his name was pronounced in Hebrew. That is the English way, derived from the Greek language. In Hebrew, Jesus would be closer to “Yehóshua” and Christ would be “Mashíahh.” So, as we say “Jesus Christ” in the English language, we also say “Jehovah,” both being correct when speaking English.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 8, 1910 edition, page 329, notes the correctness of using “Jehovah” in English when it states: “Jehovah, the proper name of God in the Old Testament.” Interestingly, it adds: “It has been maintained by some recent scholars that the word Jehovah dates only from the year 1520. . . . But the writers of the sixteenth century, Catholic and Protestant, are perfectly familiar with the word. . . . Besides, Drusius discovered it in Porchetus, a theologian of the fourteenth century. Finally, the word is found even in the ‘Pugio fidei’ of Raymund Martin, a work written about 1270. Probably the introduction of the name Jehovah antedates even R. Martin.”
Hence, it is perfectly correct for the King James Version to say at Psalm 83:18: “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.” It is also correct for other translations, such as the American Standard Version, Moulton’s Modern Reader’s Bible, Robert Young’s translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, and others, to use “Jehovah” in English. Translations in many other languages use the Divine Name in their own tongues.
That the Divine Name should be used was well expressed by Johann David Michaelis in his German translation of the Old Testament of the eighteenth century. When commenting on Genesis, he said in part: “On the other hand, the name Jehovah [Jehova in German] is used in equally long sections [of the Bible] and the Supreme Being continually called Jehovah God, likely with the intent of conveying to the reader that the God of whom Moses is speaking is that one God who had made himself known to him by the name Jehovah and who distinguished himself from all other gods by means of this peculiar name. . . . so I considered it to be a matter of integrity in translation to identify it, even though it might not always be pleasing to the German ear.”
In Michaelis’ comments on the book of Job, he said: “Nothing has more often aroused doubts on my part in translation than the name of God, Jehovah, occurring so frequently in the Hebrew [Scriptures]. Several of my friends insisted that I not at all insert this foreign word. . . . Jehovah is a Nomen Proprium, and, just as properly as I retain other nomina propria [such as] Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or, taking names of other gods as examples, Baal, Ashtaroth, Dagon—they may be as foreign-sounding as they like—it can well occur in the case of Jehovah. In the translation of a classical author one would not have the slightest hesitance toward the use of the names Jupiter, Apollo [and] Diana; and why then should the name of the Only True God sound more offensive? I do not therefore see why I should not use the name Jehovah in the German Bible.”
As this translator makes so clear, the name of God, Jehovah, occurs so often in the Bible that God-fearing men of integrity are bound by conscience to render the Divine Name in their translations and worship in whatever language they speak.
That it is correct to use the Divine Name in the language we speak should not seem so strange. It is just the same with other names. Is your name “John” in English? Well, it is not that in the Spanish language, for in Spanish it would be “Juan.” In the French language that same name would be “Jean.” In the German language it is “Johannes.” In Hebrew it is “Yohhanán.” In other languages this same name could be pronounced in varying ways. But just because your name is pronounced differently in different languages, would you abandon its use in your own language altogether? Of course not! Neither should God’s name be abandoned just because it is pronounced differently in different languages!
THE VITAL POINT
The vital point is not whether “Yahweh” or some other form of the Divine Name is more correct in Hebrew. The vital point is whether you use the pronunciation common to your language. Any religion that abandons its use cannot be the true religion, for God said: “My people shall know my name.” Not only do they know what The Name is, but to them it is a name that is exalted and treated with respect.—Isa. 52:6, King James Version.
Those who want to serve God faithfully and receive his blessings use his name. They use the Divine Name in their own language and strive to magnify it to the greatest extent possible. They are well aware that God has “turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name,” and they want to be associated with those people.—Acts 15:14.
So, then, what is God’s name? In English, as faithfully translated from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Bible answers: “I am Jehovah. That is my name.”—Isa. 42:8.
Meeting Today’s Problems with Courage
Meeting Today’s Problems with Courage
1. How can it be said that this world is going through a period of swift and far-reaching upheavals?
THIS world is living through a period of swift and far-reaching upheavals. Standards and institutions that have remained unchanged for centuries are breaking down. Millions who have passively endured their place in life up till now are clamoring for a new and more worthy existence. On the international scene, Western Europe has lost its dominance in world affairs, according to some. Across the great land mass of Eurasia and on the continent of Africa new nations have risen in the place of colonial empires.
2. (a) What do some believe regarding man’s aspirations for peace? (b) What problems face man in this regard? (c) How do Christians view these momentous times?
2 Some believe that mankind is yearning to realize its aspirations in peace. But it seems to be faced by at least two somber threats. As far as man himself is concerned these are: (1) the Communist thrust to achieve world domination, which seeks to exploit all dissatisfactions and magnify all tensions, and (2) the new weapons of technology capable of obliterating civilization. To add to these two factors, studious Christians view these momentous troublesome times as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy proving we are in the critical days before the great battle of Armageddon, the war to end all wars.—2 Tim. 3:1-5; Rev. 16:14, 16.
3, 4. Describe the impact fear has made in this generation. Define “fear.”
3 As a result of the impact that this civilization has made upon humanity, fear, dread and apprehension have been multiplied. Everywhere around this earth and at every level people are afraid. People fear hunger. They fear disease. They fear old age. They fear war. They fear knowledge. They fear pain. They fear the future with its atomic possibilities. Indeed, fear seems to be contagious. Do you not agree? But you might well ask, What is fear, and how can we individually dispel it?
4 Fear, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “painful emotion marked by alarm; dread; disquiet. State or habit of fearing; anxious concern.” It is also defined as: “Awe; profound reverence, especially for the Supreme Being.”
5. Was the climate of fear today foretold in the Bible? Elaborate.
5 Fear, therefore, can be a dreaded enemy. Indeed, it takes courage to overcome it. Moreover, the very climate of fear that we live in today was foretold in a prediction of Christ Jesus the Son of God himself. He said: “On the earth anguish of nations, not knowing the way out . . . while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”—Luke 21:25, 26.
6. Describe the real source of worldly fear according to the Bible.
6 It is one thing to recognize the causes of fear, such as international communism, crooked politicians, disease and even death. But it is another thing to recognize and understand the source or instigator of fear. According to the Bible, the real source of fear and of mankind’s momentous problems today is Satan the Devil, who challenged the supremacy of Almighty God, Jehovah. He is condemned to death by God, but has been allowed to remain temporarily to show that his challenge against God has failed, proving once and for all eternity that Jehovah, the Almighty Creator, is the Supreme Sovereign.—Job 1:9-12; Ex. 9:16.
7. Give reasons to prove Satan is an actual creature and not just the personification of evil.
7 To many persons, however, Satan’s existence is just legendary. Even in the minds of many who profess to believe the Bible he simply does not exist. Some believe Satan to be merely the personification of evil. It may be that some of you have felt that way about it. In any event we invite you to consider what the apostle Paul said on this matter: “The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers.” Peter tells us who that “god” is, saying: “Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” And, please, note now the account of Jesus’ temptations: “The Tempter came and said to him: ‘ . . . tell these stones to become loaves of bread.’ . . . Then the Devil took him along into the holy city . . . Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain . . . and he [the Devil] said to him [Jesus]: ‘All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.’ Then Jesus said to him: ‘Go away, Satan!’” Jesus knew Satan ruled this system of things! It is because of Satan’s wicked rule over the earth that Jesus said: “My kingdom is no part of this world.” Thus the Scriptures give adequate testimony that Satan is an actual creature and in his efforts to turn men away from God he is promoting wickedness and multiplying the fear that exists today.—2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Pet. 5:8; Matt. 4:1-11; John 18:36.
8, 9. (a) What hope exists for deliverance from such fear? (b) Prove from the Scriptures that the source of such fear will soon be completely eliminated.
8 True Christians recognize, however, that Satan, who is truly the source of slavish fear, will not rule forever. The Bible assures us that this is so—and is this not a comforting thought? Jesus himself showed that just before Satan’s rule would end, fear and perplexity would increase and that all these troubles would be “a beginning of pangs of distress.” Their increase is at Satan’s instigation: “Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” Should this add to one’s fear? No. “As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” Deliverance? Yes, for just as the fig tree’s putting forth leaves indicates summer is near, so the fearful conditions Jesus described at Matthew chapter 24 and Luke chapter 21 indicate Satan’s destruction is at hand and that this generation that sees the present woes will by no means pass away until all these things, including the end of Satan’s system, occur.—Matt. 24:8; Rev. 12:12; Luke 21:28; Matt. 24:3, 34.
9 What a valid cause for courage this is and therefore how important it is for all Christians to study God’s Word and learn of the time, shortly to come, when the real source of worldly fear will be eliminated for all time! How do we know this? Pick up your Bible and read Psalm 37:10 and Revelation 20:1-3 and see what it says. Here it is: “And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be.” “And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, that he might not mislead the nations any more until the thousand years were ended. After these things he must be let loose for a little while.”
SUCCESSFULLY OVERCOMING TODAY’S FEARS
10. What, then, is the only way to conquer fear successfully?
10 What, then, is the only way to conquer fear successfully? It is by individually studying the Bible and taking courage from God’s Word. This will give one assurance that the end of wickedness and of the multiplier of fears is at hand. There has not been enough personal study of God’s Word by mankind. If man studied the Bible, he would have the answers to our everyday problems, fears and anxieties. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Learn for yourself how the Bible can be a light to your roadway in these difficult times. (Ps. 119:105) Moreover, it is by obeying God’s laws and principles that great peace of mind and heart comes to the Christian. David stated: “Seven times in the day I have praised you because of your righteous judicial decisions. Abundant peace belongs to those loving your law, and for them there is no stumbling block.” (Ps. 119:164, 165) Do you personally want this peaceful, assuring outlook? Then study further into God’s Word and profit from the splendid examples of courage in times past. Learn from the course of action exemplified by such men as David, Isaac and others.—Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11.
11-13. (a) How did David indicate courage could be gained? (b) What does it mean to “wait for Jehovah”? (c) What benefits come to those who “wait for Jehovah”?
11 Now we shall consider what a man of great personal courage had to say about gaining courage, that quality of the mind that enables one to meet danger and difficulties with firmness. David once said: “In you, O Jehovah, have I taken refuge. O may I never be ashamed. In your righteousness provide escape for me.” (Ps. 31:1) Thus, the opening verse of Psalm 31 provides some helpful direction on gaining courage, for it shows that a Christian must take refuge in Jehovah and never be ashamed to call on him for help, recognizing his complete dependence on Jehovah. We invite you now to read the whole thirty-first Psalm 31. In it you will discover that David completely relied on Jehovah in all that he said and did. As you come to the end of this Psalm you will note the key to the whole matter, for the real basis for courage is “waiting for Jehovah.”—Ps. 31:24.
12 What does it mean to “wait for Jehovah”? The word “wait” here is the Hebrew verb Yahhál, and by implication this word means to be patient, to hope, to expect, to trust. Even when David was outlawed by the king of the very nation of Israel, his own people, he did not try to take matters into his own hand but waited on Jehovah for the outcome, and he was indeed blessed by him. And what about Isaac? For 180 years this faithful man did not see the land of promise in his possession, and yet he, like David, waited on Jehovah. They had this in common. This was the basis of their sticking to the work that Jehovah had given them. It was their source of courage. It kept them moving ahead, enduring, happy in their privileges and responsibilities before Jehovah.—Ps. 146:5.
13 Christians today do well to learn from these ancient examples and “wait for Jehovah,” completely relying on him and following his principles at all times. Why? Even though Christians are in the world they can be no part of it. Hence, dedicated Christians are urged: “Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”—1 John 2:15-17.
14. Enumerate some of the things true Christians must courageously resist.
14 Yes, like a magnet with a powerfully attractive force, this world draws more and more into its orbit. Truly it takes great courage to resist the corruption, dishonesty, immorality, materialism, lack of faith and the many other pressures constantly operating against the Christian who is in the world but not a part of it.—John 15:19.
15. Outline the steps necessary to resist encroachments on pure worship.
15 Have you ever thought how you might personally resist being drawn into the orbit of this world and in reality take your stand for truth and righteousness? To resist any encroachments on his way of worship before God, a dedicated Christian must guard against wrong association, pray constantly and stand firm in the faith.—1 Cor. 15:33; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Cor. 16:13.
16. What should Christians be doing in these critical times? Why is their conduct of great importance?
16 As dedicated Christians “wait for Jehovah” and look forward to the time when his kingdom will bring in everlasting life and all the attendant blessings of the Kingdom, what should they be doing? They should be establishing their faith in Jehovah by fine works. They should be preaching and teaching the good news of the Kingdom (Matt. 24:14), that other persons of sheeplike disposition may take courage and do God’s will with them. But as these dedicated Christians do this vital work, they must remember that their conduct is like a theatrical spectacle both to men and to angels. (1 Cor. 4:9) True Christians cannot afford to say one thing and do another. They have no double set of standards, but must be wholehearted for Jehovah’s kingdom 24 hours each day, 365 days each year, leap years 366! Indeed, to do anything less would be hypocritical, displeasing to Jehovah.—Prov. 20:23; Matt. 23:28.
RESISTING CORRUPTION AT EVERY LEVEL
17. (a) How can it be said we live in “the twilight of honesty”? (b) What stand for honesty should all Christians take?
17 Christians daily face the dishonesty and corruption of the business world. It has been said we live in the twilight of honesty. To a great extent, honesty and hard work have been replaced by cheating and loafing. Why? Undoubtedly faulty training and example have a lot to do with the decline of honesty. But what can we individually do to resist what is dishonest and corrupt? For example, there are persons who would not think of stealing from individuals but who adopt a different policy toward big organizations or corporations because they feel these big companies “won’t miss it.” Regardless of why people lie, steal, cheat and embezzle and gamble, these things are wrong for Christians, or anyone else for that matter. Popularity or frequency does not make bad things right. It takes courage to be responsible and upright. It takes courage to be different but right. It takes courage to be a Christian whose standards do not allow vice for virtue.—Heb. 13:18; Prov. 6:16-19; 11:1.
18. (a) To resist enticements to dishonesty and corruption, what must be guarded? (b) What counsel did James give in this connection?
18 To gain that courage so vitally necessary to resist everyday enticements to dishonesty and corruption, we must guard our heart or seat of motive. Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) And how well James puts the finger on sin and how it starts, when he says: “When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’ No; for with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone. But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.” (Jas. 1:13-15) Yes, if we allow our thinking to be contaminated, our standards to be lowered and lust to replace love for right principles, then we have a fertile area for the power of wrong desire! Resist this by thinking on things that are right and honest, and God’s blessing will be your portion.—Phil. 4:8, 9.
19. What thought-provoking comments were recently made by a newspaper editor?
19 Christians also face the lowering moral fiber of this generation. Have you noticed this in your own community? Recently the editor of the Rocky Mountain News, Jack Foster, provided some straightforward and provocative comments in his speech to a number of newspaper editors in Indiana. In his article entitled “Do We Know Right from Wrong?” he stated: “As I look around I find many things that disturb me. I find indifference, slothfulness toward doing things as well as possible. I find a shrugging of shoulders when one has been caught doing something just a little bit wrong. I find an unwillingness to stand up and be counted. I find youngsters in early marriages trying to be adults and adults trying to be youngsters in their efforts to escape responsibility. I find a reluctance to face up to matters, merely because they are troublesome. I have seen the rate of juvenile delinquency soar, the number of broken homes exceed that of homes in which family responsibility still lingers. I have seen spiritual bankruptcy in the gutter and a jug of poisonous wine in the hands that should be holding a textbook. I have seen high school graduates who do not even know how to compose a single paragraph.” Thought provoking, isn’t it? Yes, and it is certainly impossible to deny the deterioration of the moral fiber of this generation.
20. How should Christian parents be answering this challenge?
20 Certainly true Christians should be doing everything within their power to train their children to assume responsibility rather than shun it. Christian parents would fail to show love for their children if they did not discipline them and constantly direct them in the way that leads to life. (Prov. 6:23; 15:33; 22:15; Heb. 12:5-11) If you are a parent, are you facing the issues of life courageously? Will you let the excellent counsel of God’s Word, written by the foremost parent and father in the universe, Jehovah God, guide you? You will be blessed if you do.
21, 22. (a) What problems has the breakdown in morals precipitated? (b) How may Christians meet these problems with courage and determination? (c) What role do parents play in this respect?
21 To carry this a step farther, please consider what the Indianapolis Times of Wednesday, September 5, 1962, in an article entitled “Moral Lag Blamed for More VD” stated: “A moral breakdown especially among teen-agers was blamed today for an ‘alarming increase’ in syphilis throughout the world. A British physician charged the rise in venereal disease stems chiefly from a loosening of moral codes ‘which has encouraged sexual promiscuity.’” The problem with which we are faced today is not directly related to medicine at all, Dr. Claude S. Nichols said. It is the problem of a change in our moral values. Dr. Nichols blamed the moral breakdown on substitution of science for religion, commercial exploitations of sex, the weakening of family ties and the threat of atomic war. Because of this, he said, today’s beat generation lacks security of mind, faith in the future, the ability to plan ahead. “These modern epicureans live for kicks,” Dr. Nichols said. “They must experience everything in life before it is too late, sex, of course, included.”
22 It certainly takes great courage to withstand the impact that the lowered moral fiber has made upon this generation. When faced with situations suggestive of fornication or adultery or other moral wrongs, Christians, young and old alike, must flee, as Joseph did from Potiphar’s wife. (Gen. 39:10-12) Better yet, parental training and personal as well as congregational study and application of God’s Word protectively help us to keep from getting into such situations in the first place. Paul said: “Flee from the desires incidental to youth, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those who call upon the Lord out of a clean heart.” (2 Tim. 2:22) Parents, have you trained your children to understand the proper relations between the sexes? Have you given them kindly counsel from God’s Word regarding their physical organism and what a wonderful instrument it is? Have you endeavored to set the very best example in your conduct, speech and attitude in general? This is the most practical way to help your children face the problems of everyday living with success. Moreover, isn’t it a fact that we all feel inadequate at times? Nonetheless, draw courage from the apostle’s statement: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.” (Phil. 4:13) Christians, young and old alike, therefore, have an illimitable source of strength and power and can constantly receive courage from their study and application of God’s Word.
COURAGEOUSLY EXPELLING WRONGDOERS
23. What kind of persons will have the favor and blessing of Jehovah? Why do you answer so?
23 True Christians recognize that only clean persons will have the favor and approval of Jehovah and gain entrance into his new order. Paul once said: “What! Do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom. And yet that is what some of you were.”—1 Cor. 6:9-11.
24. (a) How is removal of wickedness from the Christian congregation effected? (b) Is this arrangement lacking in love?
24 Earlier in this same letter to the Corinthians, Paul stated to the Christian congregation: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” (1 Cor. 5:13) This removal is effected by the disfellowshiping or expulsion of dedicated servants of God who practice sin, those who are unrepentant and hardened in their wrongdoing. “Everyone that pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. He that does remain in this teaching is the one that has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.” (2 John 9-11) Does this seem to you like a harsh, unnecessary arrangement, lacking in love? If so, look at it through God’s eyes. He is the one who commands that the wicked one be expelled, that the purity of the congregation may be maintained, because he loves the faithful congregation. And yet it takes courage on the part of the Christian congregation to expel those who otherwise would have a contaminating effect on the organization and who would thereby spread the leaven of immorality, weakening the structure of the clean, moral climate of the theocratic society. Yes, what great moral courage it calls for on the part of judicial committees of the congregations of the theocratic society to expel wrongdoers, rather than tolerate them! This courage Christendom does not have.—1 Cor. 5:5, 9-11.
25. Does Christendom have the courage to keep its organizations clean? State your reasons for answering so.
25 In an article entitled “Purging of Church Lists Again Issue” the following was stated: “Should churches take off the membership rolls people whose lives flagrantly contradict the teachings of Christ? That question is under serious debate in church circles for the first time in more than a generation. One of the church leaders who raised the question is Professor Franklin H. Lattel of Chicago Theological Seminary. He told a recent church conference that major Protestant denominations have virtually abandoned membership standards and are incapable of maintaining the most elementary, internal discipline.” Actually there seems to be even a distaste for discipline for, as the article further states: “Professor Glen Hinson of the Southern Baptist Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky, observed recently that churches are not even cracking down on such blatant acts of immorality as adultery and drunkenness . . . ”
26. What questions are left for the succeeding article to answer?
26 Christendom thus lacks the courage to keep its own organizations clean from contaminating, corruptive influences. How different from the New World society of Jehovah’s witnesses, where moral and spiritual cleanness is scrupulously maintained and where the highest respect for God’s Holy Word the Bible is constantly cultivated! Surely, since we live in a world full of fear and apprehension and since we are nearing the time of its destructive end at Armageddon, we should be vitally concerned with our own future. What can we do to safeguard our future and the future of our families? In a time when many fears dominate man’s thinking, what comfort does the Bible hold for the future? Indeed, once Bible knowledge is gained and one is directed into the way of life, how can one faithfully endure in it? These and many other questions we will leave for the following article to answer.
[Picture on page 430]
Joseph flees from Potiphar’s wife
Faithful Endurance in the “Time of the End”
Faithful Endurance in the “Time of the End”
1. After learning how to face today’s problems courageously, what is vital to determine next?
HAVING seen how vitally necessary it is to face today’s problems courageously with the wisdom and discernment born of a study of God’s Word, it is now vital to know how to build on one’s foundation of faith and courage so as to stand firm to the end. The end of what? Surely not the end of this earth, for Ecclesiastes 1:4 states: “A generation is going, and a generation is coming; but the earth is standing even to time indefinite.” Rather, it is the end of this present wicked system of things, which Jesus said would be within this very generation, it being marked by “great tribulation” the like of which has never before been experienced by man. The only thing that would even approach it would be the great destruction wrought by the global flood of Noah’s day.—Matt. 24:21, 22, 37-39.
2. Why should we seek the favor and approval of Jehovah? With what blessings in view?
2 Surely, then, we can see the practicality of taking in a more detailed knowledge of Jehovah’s purposes and fearing to displease the Sovereign Lord of the universe. Really, without him and his blessing we are nothing. Note what Solomon had to say on this point: “The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is. For by me your days will become many, and to you years of life will be added.”—Prov. 9:10, 11.
3. Why is it imperative to learn the role that faithful endurance plays in the life of a Christian?
3 Does this sound reasonable and appealing to you? Do you want days and years added to your life, and would you like to be assured that you are working in the right direction to have the blessing and approval of Jehovah so that you will be included on the right hand of his King when the judgment of the nations takes place? (Matt. 25:31-33) Then we believe you will want to learn the role that faithful endurance plays in the life of a Christian right now. And, undoubtedly, you will want to give careful consideration to the Scriptural reasoning offered on these points, for the Word of Jehovah is beneficial for all things, including salvation, life and happiness.—2 Tim. 3:15, 16.
4. Is it sufficient for a Christian to start walking in the way of endurance? Why do you answer so?
4 Yes, even though one might start out to believe in Jehovah and ‘wait on him’ and have the assurance that His Word is correct and that it offers a wonderful hope for the future, this is not the end of the matter. (Ps. 31:24) It is one thing to start walking in the path of Christian integrity and endurance. It is another thing to keep on walking in this right way. It is one thing to be firm for right principles for ten, twenty or thirty years, or even longer. It is another thing to keep right on being firm, confident in Jehovah, trusting in him and in the direction his organization gives. It is only then that the reward of life can be gained. (Gal. 6:9) What is it that spells the difference between success and failure in this regard? ENDURANCE. Rightfully, then, we should want to know what endurance is and why it is so essential in these critical pre-Armageddon days.—2 Thess. 3:1-5.
WHAT ENDURANCE IS
5. (a) How may endurance be defined? (b) What does faithful endurance mean to a Christian?
5 Endurance is defined as: “The ability to withstand hardship or tribulation; the ability of a person to continue to perform especially under adverse conditions; stamina; the capability of acting with moral courage and strength.” Faithful endurance in the theocratic society would therefore be marked by constancy in the faith, progressively building on one’s foundation of faith to gain greater maturity, coupled with a firm determination to abide by right principles at all times. Moreover, since it is impossible to gain the reward of life without enduring through the time of the end until Jehovah brings in his new order of righteousness, it becomes obvious that Christian endurance is a must for the favor and approval of Jehovah.—Rom. 5:3-5; Rev. 3:10, 11.
6. How does Paul give exhortation to endurance in his letters to Timothy?
6 How thankful we are, then, that the Word of Jehovah has so much to say about endurance and sticking close to Jehovah and his organization. For example, in Paul’s letters to Timothy he consistently warns against losing faith and exhorts all Christians to shun the spirit of cowardice and cultivate the spirit of power, of love and of soundness of mind. (2 Tim. 1:7) Paul also exhorted Timothy to “keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus” and to “pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance.” (2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Tim. 6:11) Why did Paul make these statements? What was happening then in the Christian congregation at Ephesus that made this counsel so appropriate?
WARNING EXAMPLES
7. (a) Describe how the theme of this article is highlighted in Paul’s first letter to Timothy. (b) What must a Christian do to remain firm and steadfast in the faith?
7 First of all, it should be noted that Paul’s two letters to Timothy reflect great concern and love for this genuine servant of Jehovah. (1 Tim. 1:2) And rightly so, for did not Paul say: “I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you. For all the others are seeking their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know the proof he gave of himself, that like a child with a father he slaved with me in furtherance of the good news”? (Phil. 2:20-22) We might say that these two pastoral letters were written by an overseer to an overseer and contain specific counsel for the overseers of the theocratic society today. Of course, each one of us will profit greatly from the many excellent points of counsel contained in these letters as we individually apply the counsel to our lives. In fact, in connection with our theme under consideration, please, note how many times Paul in the first chapter of his first letter to Timothy 1Ti 1 mentions the words “faith” and “faithful.” Actually he uses these terms ten times in the first chapter alone and nineteen times in the rest of the first letter. Why? Because he knew that the only way any one of us could remain firm and steadfast in Jehovah’s favor was to anchor his faith in the Word of Jehovah. Daily study, prayer, association with wholesome and spiritually-minded people were absolutely essential for the Christians in Paul’s day. The same is true today.—2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Cor. 15:33.
8. Elaborate on the reasons why Paul counseled Christians of his day to endure and stick to the faith.
8 Please, refer to Paul’s first letter to Timothy, chapter one, and you will further observe the reasons why consistent encouragement to faith and endurance were given. Note what verses 19 and 20 say: “Holding faith and a good conscience, which some have thrust aside and have experienced shipwreck concerning their faith. Hymenaeus and Alexander belong to these, and I have handed them over to Satan that they may be taught by discipline not to blaspheme.” (1 Tim. 1:19, 20) Yes, the apostle had good reason to counsel the members of the early Christian congregation with regard to enduring and sticking to the faith, for there are no less than six individuals who are mentioned by name in these two letters to Timothy who did not stick to the faith and who failed to endure. Please, observe who these are and some of the reasons for their lack of faithful endurance.
9-11. (a) Describe the faith-subverting activities of (1) Alexander, (2) Hymenaeus and Philetus. (b) What lesson is to be learned from these warning examples?
9 Already mentioned above are Hymenaeus and Alexander. It cannot be proved that the Alexander mentioned in Paul’s first letter to Timothy is the coppersmith mentioned at 2 Timothy 4:14, 15, where the apostle states: “Alexander the coppersmith did me many injuries—Jehovah will repay him according to his deeds—and you too be on guard against him, for he resisted our words to an excessive degree.” The Alexander associated with Hymenaeus was guilty of a serious wrong, blasphemy, and both of these were disfellowshiped, handed over to Satan that their contaminating influence might be removed from the early Christian congregation.
10 Hymenaeus is also mentioned with Philetus at 2 Timothy 2:17. Prior to his reference to Hymenaeus, Paul counseled Timothy: “But shun empty speeches that violate what is holy; for they will advance to more and more ungodliness, and their word will spread like gangrene.” (2 Tim. 2:16, 17) Then he states: “Hymenaeus and Philetus are of that number. These very men have deviated from the faith, saying that the resurrection has already occurred; and they are subverting the faith of some. For all that, the solid foundation of God stays standing, having this seal: ‘Jehovah knows those who belong to him,’ and: ‘Let everyone naming the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.’”—2 Tim. 2:17-19.
11 This, then, was a serious doctrinal departure on the part of these men and it had a demoralizing effect on some in the early congregation, even as Paul indicated. “They are subverting the faith of some.” How important it is, then, to stick close to Jehovah’s channel-like organization and avoid the association of any who teach doctrine contrary to what we are receiving through the “faithful and discreet slave” that Jehovah is using today to provide a constant flow of spiritual truth to his people.—Matt. 24:45-47; Prov. 4:18.
12. (a) What course of action did Phygelus and Hermogenes take? (b) In connection with these men and their activity, what principle did Paul declare?
12 Then there were Phygelus and Hermogenes. Of these men Paul wrote: “You know this, that all the men in the district of Asia have turned away from me. Phygelus and Hermogenes are of that number.” (2 Tim. 1:15) No wonder that Paul wrote in the very next chapter: “If we go on enduring, we shall also rule together as kings; if we deny, he also will deny us; if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Tim. 2:12, 13) Yes, faithful endurance brings a great reward at the hands of Jehovah, and certainly it is absolutely necessary to cultivate this quality as we keep our eyes on the goal of Jehovah’s new order.
13. (a) What is to be learned from the life of Demas? (b) What balanced view of material riches should true Christians have?
13 Finally Paul mentions Demas: “Do your utmost to come to me shortly. For Demas has forsaken me because he loved the present system of things, and he has gone to Thessalonica.” (2 Tim. 4:9, 10) Possibly Demas was infected with a love of material things more than spiritual things, and this caused his downfall. In any event this is something for true Christians to consider with balanced thinking. In this connection the Proverbs state: “Give me neither poverty nor riches. Let me devour the food prescribed for me, that I may not become satisfied and I actually deny you and say: ‘Who is Jehovah?’ and that I may not come to poverty and I actually steal and assail the name of my God.” (Prov. 30:8, 9) Also, Paul himself wrote: “However, those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”—1 Tim. 6:9, 10.
14. What powerful lesson is to be learned from Romans 15:4 and; 1 Corinthians 10:11?
14 On another occasion Paul wrote: “For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4) And in the same vein Paul wrote: “Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived.” (1 Cor. 10:11) What powerful warning examples these six men provide! True Christians cannot afford to be like them, for they did not endure. Somewhere along the way, to their own shame and loss, they let their love for the truth cool off and their tight grip on the Word of life become relaxed.—Phil. 2:16.
15. To keep on faithfully enduring, what view of Jehovah’s organization should we have? How much depends on this view?
15 How essential it is, then, not to take the Word of Jehovah for granted! It must be a vital, energizing force in our lives, and we must believe it with all our hearts if we really want to endure. (Jas. 1:21) It certainly does not pay to get upset over trivial things and find ourselves becoming critical of the organization. Would this be the course of wisdom? To what would it lead? Where else can a Christian go? Peter stated there was no other place, and thus the wisdom of faithfully sticking to Jehovah’s organization today. (John 6:66-69) Of necessity, then, we should keep our eyes on the Kingdom, not on individuals, and show respect for the “faithful and discreet slave” that He is using at the present time. Actually, your very life depends on following this course of action. Remember, too, it is only he that endures to the end that will be saved.—Matt. 24:45-47; Rev. 2:10.
ENDURANCE IN THE FACE OF GOG’S ASSAULT
16. (a) What added factor makes it imperative to stick close to Jehovah’s organization? (b) What clarification has Bible research provided in connection with Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39?
16 That this position is so necessary can be seen from the impending onslaught of Gog against the New World society of Jehovah’s witnesses. Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 identify the attack of Gog of Magog upon a “people gathered together out of the nations,” a people who are dwelling in security and in spiritual prosperity. Bible research has clarified these cryptic passages of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 and has proved that Gog of Magog is a prophetic symbol of the false god of this world, Satan the Devil, when making his final attack upon the Christian witnesses of God’s kingdom.—2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:7-12.
17. What activity have Jehovah’s people consistently engaged in since 1914? With what reaction by the Devil and his earthly agents?
17 This great opposer of God has now been cast out of heaven since the birth of God’s kingdom in 1914 and is now bringing unprecedented woes upon mankind. The final woe he brings upon the nations by leading them into a total attack against the kingdom of heaven, God’s kingdom by Christ, which the nations have continually rejected since 1914 C.E. They have done so with the wrath and anger of two world wars and the persecution of those Christians who have obeyed Jesus’ command to preach the good news of the Kingdom for a witness to all nations, Communist and non-Communist alike. (Rev. 11:15-18) These Kingdom witnesses are logically, therefore, the ones upon whom the attack is made by the worshipers of militarism in this time of the end. Daniel’s prophecy concerning the same time shows that the symbolic king of the north and the king of the south will be prominent in that attack.—Dan. 11:36-12:1.
18. Why should Christians build up their courage and endurance in these critical days?
18 Thus when a Christian realizes that Gog of Magog or Satan the Devil and all his unseen spirit forces are shortly going to move against him and all his fellow Christian members of the theocratic society, he comprehends to some degree the awesomeness of this situation. It will take courage and endurance to face this onslaught, courage and endurance built up as a result of one’s complete faith and trust in Jehovah and in his arrangements to put Satan and his demons out of action in due time.
19. (a) How only will any be able to endure and gain entrance into Jehovah’s new order? (b) What mental attitude should we have toward the preaching work yet to be done?
19 For compelling reasons, then, Christians should study God’s Word daily, associate with his theocratic society and pray constantly for the courage necessary to resist any encroachment on his worship to Jehovah. It is only in this way that any will be able to endure and gain entrance into Jehovah’s new order. And in the meantime there is so much to accomplish in connection with preaching the good news of God’s established kingdom. (Matt. 24:14) This is no time to slow down or give up but, rather, to press forward courageously and endure in this grand work. We want to keep right on working till Jehovah says it is enough. (Isa. 6:11) Are you personally taking the steps to share with others what you know of this wonderful message, that you may gain the favor and approval of Jehovah, whose purpose it is to restore Paradise and vindicate his holy name by eliminating all wickedness at the oncoming battle of Armageddon? You will be blessed if you do.—Rev. 7:17; 21:1-5.
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