AboutBrenda Martin Expertise I have been one of Jehovah`s Witneses now for over 30 years, in those years I have brought up 4 children, teaching each of them the bible.Being one of Jehovah`s Witnesses has helped me cope with my Epilepsy and bring up a daughter with learning difficulties.I have conducted bible studies with people from nearly every denomination i.e. Muslim. Having used the bible all these years to answer peoples questions, I feel I am qualified to give any answer regarding Jehovah`s Witnesses and the bible.
Experience My experience has been one of attending bible lectures 5 times a week,taking part in these lectures in front of an audience and being with thousands of J.W. at conventions where I have seen the bible at work in peoples lives.It is truly a miracle when you see thousands of people meeting together and not one policeman needed, and not even a piece of litter in sight.It is like another world.
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Hey Brenda,
Thanks for that email, it was really helpful!
Im a bit confused with all this, but 6 months ago when my boyfriend first asked me out, he told me that he would give me a book to read that was about his religion and what he believes in.. he hasnt given this to me yet, but what would the book that he's referring to be about?
He told me that if i understood and accepted what he believes in [not that i wouldnt] it would be alright for me to be his girlfriend.
It did appeal to me when you said that you would do a bible study with me, I would enjoy learning about it all.
Thanks :)
Answer -
REMEMBER THAT I SENT YOU AN EMAIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO?
Yes I do remember and I'm glad it helped.
THINGS AREN'T GOING TOO WELL.
I'm afraid that doesn't surprise me, it causes so much inner conflict and pained conscience to carry on with something you know to be wrong,(not you your boyfriend) He will feel torn all the time.
THINKING OF GETTING HIM A RED ROSE..IS THIS WRONG, OR CONSIDERED AS A GIFT?
JW's are not against “gifts” there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving gifts (I love doing it personaly) you may be thinking this way because we don't celebrate things such as christmas, birthdays etc. But that is because of the pagan origin of these holidays, not gift giving in itself.
IT SEEMS REASONABLE TO ME THAT IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO BELIEVE IN .DOES THIS MEAN THAT I HAVE BEGUN TO BELIEVE IN WHAT THEY DO?
Well it's the first step, the bible's standards are “reasonable” they make sense, so they appeal to peoples logic, its like when a JW girl called at my door (all those years ago) and said to me; “God is gonna get rid of the wicked people and leave the good to live here on earth” (psalms 37;10,11) To me that made perfect sense, I had just been praying and saying to God; “why do you let all these bad things happen, if I were you, I would do something about it” so when the JW explained that is exactly what God intends to do, I thought it was the most logical thing Id heard.
I DON'T WANT IT TO SEEM LIKE I'M ONLY BELIEVING IN IT ON MY BOYFRIENDS BEHALF, BECAUSE I'M NOT.
Well that's good, because if you were doing it for the wrong reason believe me, you wouldn't last, because we only manage to stay a Witness if we have become one for the right reason. Its too difficult to stay in it for any other reason.
I WAS WONDERING IF MAYBE HE WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP ME IN DOING THIS, SEEING AS THOUGH HE IS DEEPLY DEVOTED TO BEING A JW?
Sorry, he is the last person to ask, first, he is not living his life correctly as a Witness, if he were; “deeply devoted” he would not be going out with a Non witness (no offence)
Secondly, he will not want to discuss his beliefs with you as he knows he is not living by them himself.
If you really want a bible study, then I can do it here with you, or you can ask any one of Jehovah's Witnesses to study it with you.
WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO LEARN, AND HOW LONG DO I STUDY FOR UNTIL I CAN BECOME BAPTIZED?
We use a bible study aid called the “knowledge book” and you would have to finish that before applying to be baptised, but you can go to the meetings anytime, I started studying the bible with the Witnesses in the October, went to meetings soon after, and was baptised in the February. (but that was kind of quick) usually 6 months, all depends how long you take to go through the book, and if you were making changes in your life as you went along.
What Witnesses offer when they call is; to come to your home once a week (or more if you wish) and go through the bible study aid bit by bit, and gradually build up knowledge of God's purpose for the earth and mankind. We only teach you what the bible says, what you do or don't do with that knowledge is entirely up to you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
ooops sorry Tina sent the wrong thing, will answer you soon ok.
Brenda
Heres the answer this time sorry :¬)
WHAT WOULD THE BOOK THAT HE'S REFERRING TO BE ABOUT?
If he was meaning the “knowledge book” it teaches the basics of the bible with chapters such as—
5.--Whose worship does God accept?
6.—Why do we grow old and die?
8.—Why does God permit suffering?
11. These are the last days.
17.—Find security among God's people.
And so on, it has 19 chapters and each is filled with scriptures to check up in your bible.
HE TOLD ME THAT IF I UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED WHAT HE BELIEVES IN IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT FOR ME TO BE HIS GIRLFRIEND.
Yes, like I said before, at the end of your study you will posses knowledge that leads to everlasting life, and maybe you will also get your boyfriend, who knows.
YOU SAID THAT YOU WOULD DO A BIBLE STUDY WITH ME
Yup would love to;¬) here is chapter one, have a read over and jot down any points your not sure of, or don't understand, and even things you might disagree with, and send them to me and I will try to clarify and explain ok.
Chapter 1
You Can Have a Happy Future!
A warm embrace from someone you love. Hearty laughter during a good meal with dear friends. The pleasure of watching your children cheerfully at play. Moments like these are bright spots in life. For many, however, life seems to present one serious problem after another. If that has been your experience, take heart.
2 It is God's will that you enjoy lasting happiness under the best conditions in wonderful surroundings. This is no mere dream, for God actually offers you the key to such a happy future. That key is knowledge.
3 We are talking about a special kind of knowledge that is far greater than human wisdom. It is “the very knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:5) Nearly 2,000 years ago, a Bible writer said: “Every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:4) Think of the knowledge that the Maker of all things must possess! The Bible says that God counts and names all the stars. What a staggering thought, since there are hundreds of billions of stars in our own galaxy, and astronomers say that there are about a hundred billion other galaxies! (Psalm 147:4) God also knows all about us, so who else could provide better answers to life's important questions?—Matthew 10:30.
4 Picture two men trying to repair their cars. Frustrated, one man throws down his tools. The other calmly corrects the problem, turns the ignition key, and smiles as the engine starts up and runs smoothly. You would not have a hard time guessing which of the two men had an instruction manual from the manufacturer. Does it not make sense that God would provide instructions to guide us in life? As you may know, the Bible claims to be just that—a book of instruction and guidance from our Creator, designed to impart the knowledge of God.—2 Timothy 3:16.
5 If the Bible's claim is true, think of what treasures of knowledge that book must contain! At Proverbs 2:1-5, it urges us to seek wisdom, to dig for it as we would for a hidden treasure—not in the soil of human thinking, but in God's own Word. If we search there, we will “find the very knowledge of God.” Since God understands our limitations and needs, he gives us instruction that will help us to lead peaceful, happy lives. (Psalm 103:14; Isaiah 48:17) Furthermore, the knowledge of God offers us exciting good news.
EVERLASTING LIFE!
6 The well-known historical figure Jesus Christ described this feature of the knowledge of God in clear terms. He said: “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) Imagine—knowledge that leads to everlasting life!
7 Do not quickly dismiss everlasting life as a mere dream. Instead, look at the way the human body is made. It is splendidly designed to taste, hear, smell, see, and feel. There is so much on the earth that delights our senses—delicious food, pleasant birdsong, fragrant flowers, beautiful scenery, delightful companionship! And our amazing brain is far more than a supercomputer, for it enables us to appreciate and enjoy all such things. Do you think that our Creator wants us to die and lose all of this? Would it not be more reasonable to conclude that he wants us to live happily and to enjoy life forever? Well, that is what the knowledge of God can mean for you.
LIFE IN PARADISE
8 What the Bible says about the future of the earth and mankind might be summed up in one word—Paradise! Jesus Christ spoke of it when he told a dying man: “You will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) The mention of Paradise no doubt brought to that man's mind the happy state of our first parents, Adam and Eve. When God created them, they were perfect and lived in a gardenlike park that the Creator had designed and planted. It was fittingly called the garden of Eden, which name denotes pleasure.
9 How delightful that garden was! It was a real paradise. Among its beautiful trees were those bearing delicious fruit. As Adam and Eve explored their domain, drank from its sweet waters, and gathered fruit from its trees, they had no reason to be anxious or fearful. Even animals posed no threat, for God had placed the man and his wife in loving dominion over all of them. In addition, the first human pair had vibrant health. As long as they remained obedient to God, an eternal, happy future lay before them. They were given the satisfying work of caring for their wonderful Paradise home. Further, God gave Adam and Eve the mandate to “fill the earth and subdue it.” They and their offspring were to extend the borders of Paradise until our entire planet became a place of beauty and delight.—Genesis 1:28.
10 When Jesus mentioned Paradise, however, he was not asking a dying man to think about the distant past. No, Jesus was speaking about the future! He knew that our entire earthly home would become a paradise. God would thus fulfill his original purpose for mankind and our earth. (Isaiah 55:10, 11) Yes, Paradise will be restored! And what will it be like? Let God's Word, the Holy Bible, answer.
LIFE IN THE RESTORED PARADISE
11 SICKNESS, OLD AGE, AND DEATH WILL NO LONGER EXIST. “At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness.” (Isaiah 35:5, 6) “God himself will be with [mankind]. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:3, 4.
12 CRIME, VIOLENCE, AND WICKEDNESS WILL BE GONE FOREVER. “Evildoers themselves will be cut off . . . Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more . . . He will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth.” (Psalm 37:9-11) “As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it.” —Proverbs 2:22.
13 PEACE WILL PREVAIL EARTH WIDE. “He [God] is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces.” (Psalm 46:9) “The righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more.”—Psalm 72:7.
14 HOUSING WILL BE SECURE AND WORK SATISFYING. “They will certainly build houses and have occupancy . . . They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full. They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bring to birth for disturbance.”—Isaiah 65:21-23.
15 Healthful food will be available in abundance. “There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.” (Psalm 72:16) “The earth itself will certainly give its produce; God, our God, will bless us.”—Psalm 67:6.
16 Everlasting life on a paradise earth will be delightful. “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” (Psalm 37:29) “The wilderness and the waterless region will exult, and the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron.”—Isaiah 35:1.
KNOWLEDGE AND YOUR FUTURE
17 If life in Paradise appeals to you, let nothing hold you back from gaining the knowledge of God. He loves mankind and will bring about the changes needed to make the earth a paradise. After all, if you had the power to end the misery and injustice so prevalent in the world, would you not do so? Would we expect God to do less? Actually, the Bible speaks in vivid terms of a time when God will remove this strife-ridden system and replace it with a perfect, righteous rule. (Daniel 2:44) But the Bible does much more than tell us about all of this. It shows us how we can survive into God's promised new world.—2 Peter 3:13; 1 John 2:17.
18 The knowledge of God can also do much for you right now. Life's deepest and most disturbing questions are answered in the Bible. Accepting its guidance will help you to develop a friendship with God. What a grand privilege! And this will enable you to enjoy the peace that God alone can give. (Romans 15:13, 33) As you begin to take in this vital knowledge, you are embarking on the most important and rewarding endeavor of your life. You will never regret acquiring the knowledge of God that leads to everlasting life.
Cant wait to hear what you think of chapter one.
Brenda
Hey Brenda!
Thanks so much for chapter 1, ive breiefly ready thru it, and i will read it over and over again.
Under 3. it says 'God also knows all about us, so who else could provide us with better answers to life's important questions?' - are these answers located within the bible?
When would you be able to send me the 2nd chapter? I would throughly enjoy reading and learning from it.
Also, my boyfriend and broke up today, but I would like to continue to learn from you in these bible studies.
Thanks
Answer -
HI Tina you asked--"ANSWERS TO LIFE'S IMPORTANT QUESTIONS?' - ARE THESE ANSWERS LOCATED WITHIN THE BIBLE?"
Yup they sure are, there is not one question we could ask that is not answered in God's word. When the Witnesses called at my door I was 19 and full of questions, but gradually week by week they were all answered in full.
The scripture mentioned beside that quote btw reads “ The very hairs on your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10;30) Jehovah knows every detail about us.
Before I send chapter 2 could you jot down points from chap 1 that you were not sure of , or didn't understand, and send that to me and I will explain, I have to make sure you completely understand chap 1 before we move on okay :¬)
Here are some questions from chap. 1; see if you know the answers and that way we know you understand it.
1, 2. What does your Creator want for you?
3. What knowledge is the key to happiness, and why can we be sure that God can provide that knowledge?
4. Why should we expect God to provide instructions to guide us, and what book fills this need?
5. How valuable is the knowledge that the Bible contains?
6. What assurance did Jesus Christ give regarding the knowledge of God?
7. What evidence is there that God did not intend for us to die?
8. What does the Bible say about the future of mankind?
9. What was it like to live in the original Paradise?
10. When Jesus spoke of Paradise, what did he have in mind?
11. In the restored Paradise, what will happen to
sickness, old age, and death?
12. Why can we be sure that there will be no crime, violence, and wickedness in the future Paradise?
13. How will God bring about peace?
14, 15. What does the Bible say about housing, work, and food in the restored Paradise?
16. Why will life in Paradise be delightful?
17. (a) What should you do if life in Paradise appeals to you? (b) How do we know that God will bring about great changes on the earth?
18. What can the knowledge of God do for you now?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Brenda
Hey Brenda,
Thanks once again for you email, Im really enjoying learning about God's word and what he wants for us in life. I'll put my answers under their numbers, although i was unable to respond to numbers 7, 13, 14 and 15. So i might need a lil help there! I read it through a couple of times, then answered the questions to the best of my knowledge, so i hope i did well. Anyway, here are my answers to your questions :)
1, 2. Everlasting happiness, the knowledge of God, companionship, and a life without crime, violence or wickedness.
3. The knowledge of God is the key to happiness. God can provide all this within the Bible which is his own word.
4. Instructions in life are a necessity, as problems arise everyday and certain questions are needed to be answered in life. The Bible fills this need.
5. The knowledge within the Bible is so valuable for one to learn and awknowledge as it leads to eternal life and happiness.
6. Jesus Christ gave resurrance in the knowledge of God which ultimately led to everlasting life. This is proven through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
7. The knowledge of God will lead to everlasting happiness and life...[need help with this one!]
8. A life of paradise for mankind
9. The Garden of Eden was beautiful and splendid with delicious fruit among its beautiful trees, mankind in domination over the aminals living within the garden, a life of happiness.
10. The homes that mankind were to build and live in would become paradise, and the purpose of mankind on earth would be fufilled.
11. The will be no pain and suffering, a life of happiness were to be lived, and death will become no more.
12. God intended peace among all people who take guidance within his words.
13. [need help with this one!]
14. [need help with this one!]
15. [need help with this one!]
16. A life in paradise would be delightful as there would be no violence or crime, and a life followed by God's word will be a splendid life.
17. a) Let NOTHING hold you back from gaining the knowledge of God.
b) God has the power to end all misery in the world.
18. The knowledge of God can help one to understand what God wants for all people on earth, and that a life of peace, everlasting happiness and great companionship will be a luscious and great way for all on earth.
Thanks! :)
Answer HI there Tina, well your answers were excellent, I am convinced you understood what you were reading, just a thought, have a wee look at the scriptures that are quoted in the paragraphs, because it is the bible we are studying so you want to make sure the bible says these things and not just a book.
I remember when I studied, my friends used to say; “how do you know these things are true” and niavely I would reply; “the book says so” or “the Witness told me” the answer I should have gave was; “the Bible says so” So don't be like me :¬) check the scriptures, so you will have the correct answer to give others when they question you okay. Now let's have a look at these other paragraphs--
7. Scientists have long known about the human body's power to renew itself. By wonderful means the body cells are either replaced or repaired, as the need may be. And it seems that this process of self-renewal should go on forever. But it does not, and this is something that scientists cannot explain. They still do not fully understand why people grow old. They say that, under right conditions, humans should be able to live forever.—Psalm 139:14.
Then think of the brain--” In a limited life span of maybe 70 or 80 years, the brain's potential remains virtually untapped. As one psychologist says: “It is frequently stated that we use only 10 percent of our full mental potential. This, it now appears, is rather an overestimate. We probably do not use even 1 percent—more likely 0.1 percent or less”
So these proofs and more go to show; God never intended man to die, he intended man to live forever.
13. This par. Is speaking about just one of the many blessings we will enjoy in that “new earth” once God has rid the earth of wickedness and those who cause it, the only people left alive on earth will be the “meek” or “those who are doing the will of God” so war will be a thing of the past in that “new earth”.
14 , 15. asks “what the bible says about food, housing and work in the new earth soon to come?
Paragraphs 14,15 have 3 scriptures quoted which tell us what housing, food and work will be like in the new earth, Isaiah 65 is quoted from in Paragraph 14, it tells us we will “build our own houses” and live in them etc” and we will work at enjoyable things.
Then the 2 scriptures from Psalms are quoted in par. 15 and they tell us; there will be ample food for all in the new earth, no more starving kids like we see today.
I hope that explains these points for you, I enclose chapter 2---
Chapter 2
The Book That Reveals the Knowledge of God
It is only reasonable that our loving Creator would provide a book of instruction and guidance for mankind. And do you not agree that humans need guidance?
2 More than 2,500 years ago, a prophet and historian wrote: “It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Today, the truthfulness of that statement is more evident than ever. Thus, historian William H. McNeill notes: “The human adventure on the face of this planet has been an almost uninterrupted series of crises and disruptions of society's established order.”
3 The Bible fills all our needs for wise direction. True, many are overwhelmed when they first look through the Bible. It is a big book, and some portions of it are not easy to understand. But if you were given a legal document outlining what you had to do in order to receive a valuable inheritance, would you not take the time to study it carefully? If you found certain parts of the document hard to understand, likely you would get the help of someone experienced in such matters. Why not approach the Bible with a similar attitude? (Acts 17:11) More is at stake than a material inheritance. As we learned in the previous chapter, the knowledge of God can lead to everlasting life.
4 Let us examine the book that reveals the knowledge of God. We will first give a brief overview of the Bible. Then we will discuss reasons why many informed people believe that it is the inspired Word of God.
WHAT THE BIBLE CONTAINS
5 The Bible contains 66 books in two sections, often called the Old Testament and the New Testament. Thirty-nine Bible books were written mainly in Hebrew and 27 in Greek. The Hebrew Scriptures, consisting of Genesis through Malachi, cover creation as well as the first 3,500 years of human history. Examining this part of the Bible, we learn about God's dealings with the Israelites—from their birth as a nation in the 16th century B.C.E. on into the 5th century B.C.E. The Greek Scriptures, containing the books of Matthew through Revelation, focus on the teachings and activities of Jesus Christ and his disciples during the first century C.E.
6 Some claim that the “Old Testament” is for Jews and the “New Testament” is for Christians. But according to 2 Timothy 3:16, “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.” Therefore, a proper study of the Scriptures must include the entire Bible. Actually, the two parts of the Bible complement each other, blending harmoniously to develop an overall theme.
7 Perhaps you have attended religious services for years and have heard some of the Bible read aloud. Or you may have read excerpts from it yourself. Did you know that the Bible has a common thread from Genesis through Revelation? Yes, a harmonious theme permeates the Bible. What is that theme? It is the vindication of God's right to rule mankind and the realization of his loving purpose by means of his Kingdom. Later, we will see just how God will fulfill this purpose.
8 In addition to outlining God's purpose, the Bible reveals his personality. For example, from the Bible we learn that God has feelings and that the choices we make matter to him. (Psalm 78:40, 41; Proverbs 27:11; Ezekiel 33:11) Psalm 103:8-14 says that God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness.” He treats us compassionately, ‘remembering that we are made of mere dust' and return to it at death. (Genesis 2:7; 3:19) What marvelous qualities he displays! Is this not the kind of God you want to worship?
9 The Bible gives us a clear view of God's standards. These are sometimes stated as laws. More often, however, they are reflected in principles taught by means of object lessons. God had certain events in ancient Israelite history written down for our benefit. These candid accounts show what happens when people work in harmony with God's purpose, as well as the sad outcome when they go their own way. (1 Kings 5:4; 11:4-6; 2 Chronicles 15:8-15) Reading such real-life accounts will undoubtedly touch our hearts. If we try to visualize the events recorded, we can identify with the people involved in them. Thus, we can benefit from good examples and can avoid the pitfalls that ensnared wrongdoers. However, this vital question requires an answer: How can we be sure that what we read in the Bible is actually inspired of God?
CAN YOU TRUST THE BIBLE?
10 Perhaps you have noticed that many books offering advice become outdated in just a few years. What about the Bible? It is very old, and almost 2,000 years have passed since its last words were penned. Some therefore feel that it is not applicable to our modern age. But if the Bible is inspired of God, its advice should always be up-to-date despite its great age. The Scriptures should still be “beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
11 Close examination reveals that Bible principles apply just as much today as they did when they were first put down in writing. When it comes to human nature, for instance, the Bible reflects keen understanding that applies to every generation of mankind. We can easily see this in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, found in the book of Matthew, chapters 5 to 7. This sermon so impressed the late Indian leader Mohandas K. Gandhi that he reportedly told a British official: “When your country and mine shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in this Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems not only of our countries but those of the whole world.”
12 No wonder people are impressed by Jesus' teachings! In the Sermon on the Mount, he showed us the way to true happiness. He explained how to settle disputes. Jesus provided instruction on how to pray. He pointed out the wisest attitude to have toward material needs and gave the Golden Rule for proper relationships with others. How to detect religious frauds and how to have a secure future were also among the points covered in this sermon.
13 In the Sermon on the Mount and throughout the rest of its pages, the Bible clearly tells us what to do and what to avoid in order to improve our lot in life. So practical is its counsel that one educator was moved to say: “Although being a high-school counselor with bachelor's and master's degrees and having read a large number of books on mental health and psychology, I discovered that the Bible's counsel on such things as having a successful marriage, preventing juvenile delinquency and how to gain and keep friends is far superior to anything I had read or studied in college.” In addition to being practical and up-to-date, the Bible is dependable.
ACCURATE AND RELIABLE
14 Though the Bible is not a science textbook, it is scientifically accurate. For example, at a time when most people believed that the earth was flat, the prophet Isaiah referred to it as a “circle” (Hebrew, chugh, which here carries the idea of “sphere”). (Isaiah 40:22) The idea of a spherical earth was not widely accepted until thousands of years after Isaiah's day. Furthermore, Job 26:7—written more than 3,000 years ago—states that God is “hanging the earth upon nothing.” Says one Bible scholar: “How Job knew the truth, demonstrated by astronomy, that the earth hangs self-poised in empty space, is a question not easily solved by those who deny the inspiration of Holy Scripture.”
15 The style of reporting found in the Bible also strengthens our confidence in this age-old book. Unlike myths, the events covered in the Bible are linked to specific people and dates. (1 Kings 14:25; Isaiah 36:1; Luke 3:1, 2) And whereas ancient historians nearly always exaggerated the victories of their rulers and hid their defeats and mistakes, the Bible writers were candid and honest—even about their own serious sins.—Numbers 20:7-13; 2 Samuel 12:7-14; 24:10.
A BOOK OF PROPHECY
16 Fulfilled prophecy gives conclusive evidence that the Bible is inspired of God. The Bible contains many prophecies that have been fulfilled in detail. Obviously, mere humans could not be responsible for this. What, then, is behind these prophecies? The Bible itself says that “prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit,” or God's active force. (2 Peter 1:21) Consider some examples.
17 The fall of Babylon. Isaiah and Jeremiah both foretold Babylon's fall to the Medes and the Persians. Remarkably, Isaiah's prophecy about this event was recorded some 200 years before Babylon was conquered! The following aspects of prophecy are now matters of historical record: the drying up of the Euphrates River by diverting its waters to an artificial lake (Isaiah 44:27; Jeremiah 50:38); a careless lack of security at Babylon's river gates (Isaiah 45:1); and the conquest by a ruler named Cyrus.—Isaiah 44:28.
18 The rise and fall of “the king of Greece.” In a vision, Daniel saw a male goat strike down a ram, breaking its two horns. Then, the goat's great horn was broken, and four horns came up in its place. (Daniel 8:1-8) To Daniel it was explained: “The ram that you saw possessing the two horns stands for the kings of Media and Persia. And the hairy he-goat stands for the king of Greece; and as for the great horn that was between its eyes, it stands for the first king. And that one having been broken, so that there were four that finally stood up instead of it, there are four kingdoms from his nation that will stand up, but not with his power.” (Daniel 8:20-22) True to this prophecy, some two centuries later, “the king of Greece,” Alexander the Great, overthrew the two-horned Medo-Persian Empire. Alexander died in 323 B.C.E. and was eventually replaced by four of his generals. However, none of these subsequent kingdoms matched the power of Alexander's empire.
19 The life of Jesus Christ. The Hebrew Scriptures contain scores of prophecies fulfilled in the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For example, more than 700 years in advance, Micah foretold that the Messiah, or Christ, would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4-7) Micah's contemporary Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be struck and spit upon. (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67) Five hundred years in advance, Zechariah prophesied that the Messiah would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:15) More than a thousand years beforehand, David foretold circumstances associated with the death of Jesus the Messiah. (Psalm 22:7, 8, 18; Matthew 27:35, 39-43) And some five centuries in advance, Daniel's prophecy revealed when the Messiah would appear as well as the length of his ministry and the time of his death. (Daniel 9:24-27) This is just a sampling of the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ. You will find it rewarding to read much more about him later.
20 Many other long-range Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled. ‘But,' you may ask, ‘how does this affect my life?' Well, if someone told you the truth for many years, would you suddenly doubt him when he said something new? No! God has told the truth throughout the Bible. Should this not build your trust in what the Bible promises, such as its prophecies regarding a coming earthly paradise? Indeed, we can have the same confidence as did Paul, one of Jesus' first-century disciples, who wrote that ‘God cannot lie.' (Titus 1:2) Furthermore, when we read the Scriptures and apply their counsel, we are exercising wisdom that humans cannot achieve on their own, for the Bible is the book that reveals the knowledge of God that leads to everlasting life.
“FORM A LONGING” FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
21 As you study the Bible, you are likely to learn things that differ from what you have been taught in the past. You may even find that some of your cherished religious customs do not please God. You will learn that God has standards of right and wrong higher than those common in this permissive world. This may seem overwhelming at first. But be patient! Carefully examine the Scriptures to find the knowledge of God. Be open to the possibility that the Bible's counsel may call for an adjustment in your thinking and actions.
22 Well-meaning friends and relatives may oppose your study of the Bible, but Jesus said: “Everyone, then, that confesses union with me before men, I will also confess union with him before my Father who is in the heavens; but whoever disowns me before men, I will also disown him before my Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 10:32, 33) Some may fear that you will become involved with a cult or will turn into a fanatic. In reality, however, you are merely striving to gain accurate knowledge of God and of his truth. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) To help others understand this, be reasonable, not argumentative, when you speak to them about what you are learning. (Philippians 4:5) Remember that many are “won without a word” when they see evidence that Bible knowledge really benefits people.—1 Peter 3:1, 2.
23 The Bible urges us: “As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word.” (1 Peter 2:2) An infant depends on nourishment from its mother and is insistent on having that need met. Similarly, we are dependent on knowledge from God. “Form a longing” for his Word by continuing your study. Indeed, make it your goal to read the Bible daily. (Psalm 1:1-3) This will bring you rich blessings, for Psalm 19:11 says of God's laws: “In the keeping of them there is a large reward.”
[Study Questions]
1, 2. Why do we need our Creator's guidance?
3, 4. (a) How should we approach a study of the Bible? (b) How will we proceed with an examination of the Bible?
5. (a) What is contained in the Hebrew Scriptures? (b) What do the Greek Scriptures contain?
6. Why should we study the entire Bible?
7. What is the theme of the Bible?
8. What does the Bible reveal about God's personality?
9. How does the Bible give us a clear view of God's standards, and how can we benefit from such knowledge?
10. (a) Why do some feel that the Bible is out-of-date? (b) What does 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 tell us about the Bible?
11-13. Why can we say that the Bible is practical for our day?
14. What shows that the Bible is scientifically accurate?
15. How is confidence in the Bible strengthened by its style of reporting?
16. What is the strongest evidence that the Bible is inspired of God?
17. What prophecies foretold the fall of Babylon, and how were these fulfilled?
18. How was Bible prophecy fulfilled in the rise and fall of “the king of Greece”?
19. What prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
20. The Bible's perfect record of fulfilled prophecy should give us what confidence?
21. What should you do if some things you learn from the Bible seem overwhelming?
22. Why are you studying the Bible, and how can you help others understand this?
23. How can you “form a longing” for the knowledge of God?
All the best and enjoy.
Brenda
13th September 2009
HI Tina, How are you getting on, been a while since we chatted? If you would still like to discuss the bible with me my email address is now brenda.martin.1@btinternet.com
