1. What must we do to make sure that our faith remains strong?

MANY people say that they believe only in things that they can see. However, the Bible says that “no man has seen God at any time.” (John 1:18) Since we cannot see him, how can we help those who do not believe in God to have faith in him? What can we do to make sure that our own faith in “the invisible God,” Jehovah, remains strong? (Colossians 1:15) First we need to know what teachings hide the truth about God. Then we must learn to use the Bible well so that we can prove that those teachings are “against the knowledge of God.”​—2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.

2, 3. What are two teachings that keep people from learning the truth about God?

² One false teaching that blinds people and keeps them from learning the truth about God is evolution. This human teaching does not agree with what is written in the Bible, and it takes hope away from people. Evolution teaches that life began by itself. If this were true, it would mean that we could not explain why we are here on earth.

³ Some people in Christendom take the Bible too literally and teach that everything in the universe, including the earth and all life on it, is only a few thousand years old. They say that God created all things in just six 24-hour days. This teaching is called creationism. People who believe in creationism reject all scientific evidence that does not agree with their belief. They may respect the Bible, but this teaching makes it difficult for others to trust God’s Word. Why? Because creationism makes it seem as though the Bible were unreasonable and incorrect. People who teach creationism remind us of some who lived in the first century. They were zealous in their worship of God, but they did not worship him “according to accurate knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) How can we use God’s Word to help prove that these “strongly entrenched” teachings of evolution and creationism are false?a (See footnote.) We can help people who believe these teachings only if we work hard to get an accurate knowledge of what the Bible teaches.

FAITH IS BASED ON EVIDENCE AND SOUND REASONING

4. What should our faith be based on?

⁴ The Bible teaches us that we should value knowledge as we would a treasure. (Proverbs 10:14) Jehovah wants our faith in him to be based on evidence and sound reasoning, not on human thinking or religious traditions. (Read Hebrews 11:1.) To have strong faith in God, we must first be convinced that Jehovah exists. (Read Hebrews 11:6.) We believe that he exists, not just because we really want to believe in something, but because we have examined the facts and used our “power of reason.”​—Romans 12:1.

5. What is one reason why we can be convinced that God exists?

⁵ The apostle Paul explains to us why we can be convinced that God exists, even though we cannot see Him. Paul wrote: “His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship.” (Romans 1:20) How can you help someone who is not sure if God exists to believe what Paul said? You could use some of the following examples from creation that give evidence of God’s power and wisdom.

EVIDENCE OF GOD’S POWER IN CREATION

6, 7. In what two things is Jehovah’s power revealed?

⁶ We see evidence of Jehovah’s power in two things that protect us. They are earth’s atmosphere and earth’s magnetic field. The atmosphere not only provides us with air to breathe but also protects us. How? Big pieces of rock that move quickly through space could cause great damage if they hit the earth. But this usually does not happen because they burn up when they enter earth’s atmosphere. As they burn up, they create beautiful shooting stars that move at great speed across the night sky.

⁷ The earth’s magnetic field also protects us from harm. Deep inside the center of the earth is a core that is made mostly of hot melted iron. The outer core creates a powerful magnetic field that is all around us and reaches far into space. This field protects us from the sun and its harmful explosions. These explosions send dangerous radiation toward the earth. But because the earth is protected, the sun’s radiation does not burn up life here on earth. Instead, the magnetic field absorbs this harmful radiation or sends it back into space. We can see evidence of this invisible magnetic field in the colorful lights of the night sky near the North and South poles. Jehovah is truly “vigorous in power.”​—Read Isaiah 40:26.

GOD’S WISDOM REVEALED IN CREATION

8, 9. How is life able to continue on earth today? What does that teach us about Jehovah’s wisdom?

⁸ We can learn about Jehovah’s wisdom in the way he makes it possible for life to continue here on earth. Imagine a city that has millions of people living in it and is surrounded by a wall. This city has no way of bringing in fresh water or of getting rid of its waste. A city like this would soon become very dirty and impossible to live in. In some ways, our earth is like that city. It has a limited amount of water, and we cannot easily get rid of all the waste. However, the earth is forever able to provide all living things with what they need to survive. Why is this possible? Because the earth has an amazing way of reusing everything that is needed for life.

⁹ Let us consider how the earth provides oxygen so that living things can breathe. Billions of living things take in oxygen and give off a gas called carbon dioxide. Even though this is happening all the time, there is always enough oxygen, and it never runs out. How is that possible? Plants take in carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and nutrients and then produce carbohydrates and oxygen. This action is called photosynthesis. When we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, we complete the cycle. Jehovah uses the plant life he created to give “to all persons life and breath.” (Acts 17:25) What amazing wisdom!

10, 11. In what ways can we see Jehovah’s wisdom in the monarch butterfly and the dragonfly?

¹⁰ We can also see Jehovah’s wisdom in the way he designed the many creatures that live on earth. Research shows that there are about 2 million to 100 million different kinds of life on earth. (Read Psalm 104:24.) We will learn about his wisdom in the design of some of these creatures.

¹¹ For example, the monarch butterfly has a very small brain, which is the size of the tip of a pen. Even though its brain is so small, that butterfly has the ability to fly about 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles) from Canada to Mexico. It does this by using the sun to help it find its way. But how is it able to do that since the sun moves across the sky? Jehovah created the butterfly’s tiny brain in such a way that even though the sun moves, the butterfly can still fly in the right direction. Think also about the dragonfly. Its two eyes have about 30,000 lenses each. The dragonfly’s tiny brain is able to understand the signals that come through all those lenses and notice even the smallest movements that are made around it.

12, 13. What is impressive about the way Jehovah created our cells?

¹² The way that Jehovah designed the cells of all living things is very impressive. For example, your body has about 100 trillion cells. Inside each of those tiny cells is an acid called DNA. It contains most of the information needed to build your whole body.

¹³ How much information does DNA contain? We can compare one gram of DNA to a compact disc, or CD. A CD can contain all the information in a dictionary. This seems amazing for a small plastic disc. But just one gram of DNA can hold as much information as one trillion CDs! Or to explain it in another way, one teaspoon of dried DNA contains the information needed to build all the humans alive today! And it could do so 350 times!

14. How do the discoveries made by scientists make you feel about Jehovah?

¹⁴ King David said that it was as if Jehovah had written in a book all the information needed to create the human body. David said: “Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, and in your book all its parts were down in writing, as regards the days when they were formed and there was not yet one among them.” (Psalm 139:16) We can understand why David wanted to praise Jehovah when he thought about the way his own body was made. Scientists have discovered many things about the human body that amaze us. These discoveries make us agree with what the psalmist wrote about Jehovah. The psalmist said: “I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware.” (Psalm 139:14) The creation around us is evidence that God really does exist!

HELP OTHERS GIVE HONOR TO THE LIVING CREATOR

15, 16. (a) How have our publications helped people to learn about Jehovah’s creation? (b) What is one of the “Was It Designed?” articles that you enjoyed?

¹⁵ For many years, Awake! magazine has helped millions of people to learn about God from the things he created. For example, in 2006, the September issue was entitled “Is There a Creator?” The purpose of this special issue was to help those who believe in evolution or creationism. One sister wrote about this magazine to the United States branch office. She said: “The campaign to offer this special issue went extremely well. One woman asked for 20 copies. She is a biology teacher and wanted her students to have a copy.” A brother wrote: “I have been active in the field service since the late 1940’s and am nearing 75 years of age, but I have never enjoyed my field service as much as I have this month offering the special issue of Awake!”

¹⁶ Since 2008, many Awake! magazines have included the article called “Was It Designed?” These short articles focus on how amazing creation is and how man has tried to copy the incredible things our Creator designed. We also received a brochure in 2010 called Was Life Created? The beautiful pictures and diagrams in that brochure are designed to help us to be more grateful to Jehovah for his creation. The questions at the end of each section help the reader to think about the information he just read. This is an excellent brochure to use in the preaching work.

17, 18. (a) What responsibility do parents have? (b) How have you used the brochures about creation in your family worship?

¹⁷ Parents, have you read this brochure with your children during your family worship? If you do, you can help them to have more faith in Jehovah. Perhaps you have teenagers who are going to high school. Those who teach evolution are making a special effort to convince your children that there is no Creator. Scientists, schoolteachers, television shows about nature, and movies teach that evolution is a fact. You can help your teenagers to defend the truth by using the brochure The Origin of Life​—Five Questions Worth Asking, published in 2010. Like the brochure Was Life Created?, it too helps young people to develop their “thinking ability.” (Proverbs 2:10, 11) It teaches them how to determine if what they are taught in school is logical.

¹⁸ Sometimes there are news reports that claim that scientists have found fossils that prove that evolution is true. Or there may be reports that scientists have been able to recreate life in a laboratory. The Origin of Life brochure is written in a way to help students to decide for themselves whether these news reports are true. Parents, use these brochures to help your children have more confidence when they explain why they believe in a Creator.​—Read 1 Peter 3:15.

19. What privilege do all of us have?

¹⁹ We can learn a lot about Jehovah’s beautiful qualities when we read about creation in the publications that we receive from his organization. All this evidence makes us want to praise Jehovah from the heart. (Psalm 19:1, 2) It is a privilege to give Jehovah, the Creator of all things, the honor and praise he very much deserves!​—1 Timothy 1:17.

1. What do most people think about slavery, and how is the type of slavery mentioned at Romans 12:11 different?

MOST people think of a slave as a person who is being controlled and treated badly by his master. But to be a slave of God is very different. God’s Word says that a Christian can choose to be a slave to a loving Master. In fact, when the apostle Paul encouraged Christians to “slave for Jehovah,” he was telling them to serve God because they love Him. (Romans 12:11) What is this type of slavery? How can we make sure that we do not become a slave to Satan and his world? And what are the benefits of being a slave of Jehovah and faithfully serving him?

“I REALLY LOVE MY MASTER”

2. (a) Why might an Israelite decide to continue as a slave? (b) If a slave was willing to have his ear pierced, what did it show?

² God’s Law to Israel helps us to understand what is required to be a slave of Jehovah. A Hebrew slave was normally given his freedom in the seventh year of service to his master. (Exodus 21:2) But if the slave really loved his master and did not want to leave him, he could stay. Jehovah’s Law made this possible. The master would bring the slave up against the door or doorpost and pierce his ear. (Exodus 21:5, 6) Why would he do that? In the Hebrew language, the idea of obedience is related to hearing and listening. So by having his ear pierced, a slave would show that he wanted to continue to serve his master obediently. This is similar to our dedication. When we dedicate ourselves to Jehovah, we are saying that we are willing to obey him because we love him.

3. Why do we dedicate ourselves to God?

³ Before we were baptized, we made the decision to serve Jehovah, or to be his slaves. When we dedicated ourselves to him, we promised that we would obey him and do what he wants us to do. Nobody forced us to make this decision. Even when young ones get baptized, they do so because they want to and not just to make their parents happy. All of us make our own personal decision to dedicate ourselves to our heavenly Master, Jehovah, because we love him. “This is what the love of God means,” wrote the apostle John, “that we observe his commandments.”​—1 John 5:3.

WE ARE FREE, BUT WE ARE SLAVES

4. What do we need to do to become “slaves to righteousness”?

⁴ We are very thankful to Jehovah for giving us what we need to be his slaves! Our faith in the ransom sacrifice of Christ makes it possible for us not to be slaves of sin, that is, not to be completely controlled by it. This means that even though we are still imperfect, we choose to obey Jehovah and Jesus as our Masters. Paul explained this clearly in one of his letters. He said: “Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed with reference to sin but living with reference to God by Christ Jesus.” Then he warned: “Do you not know that if you keep presenting yourselves to anyone as slaves to obey him, you are slaves of him because you obey him, either of sin with death in view or of obedience with righteousness in view? But thanks to God that you were the slaves of sin but you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were handed over. Yes, since you were set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:11, 16-18) Notice that Paul says that we should be “obedient from the heart.” So when we dedicate ourselves to God, we become “slaves to righteousness.”

5. What must we all fight against, and why?

⁵ As dedicated slaves of God, we have two battles we must fight. The first one is our own imperfection. Paul too had this fight. He said: “I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, but I behold in my members another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my members.” (Romans 7:22, 23) Because we are imperfect, we must keep fighting against our fleshly desires, that is, human desires to do things that God does not like. The apostle Peter urged us: “Be as free people, and yet holding your freedom, not as a blind for badness, but as slaves of God.”​—1 Peter 2:16.

6, 7. How does Satan make the world seem attractive?

⁶ The second battle we have is against this world that is controlled by the demons. Satan is the ruler of the world, and he uses every weapon he has to try to break our loyalty to Jehovah and Jesus. Satan wants to make us his slaves by tempting us to become part of his world. (Read Ephesians 6:11, 12.) One way he does this is by making his world look attractive, like something we want to be a part of. The apostle John warns us: “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.”​—1 John 2:15, 16.

⁷ All over the world, people want to have more and more material things. Satan makes people believe that having lots of money will make them happy. Superstores are everywhere. Advertising promotes a lifestyle in which the most important thing is to have more things and to have more fun. For example, travel agencies promote trips to interesting places in the company of people who think as the world does. Yes, all around us, the world is telling us to change our lifestyle, but in the way it wants us to.

8, 9. What real danger exists, and why?

⁸ In the first century, Peter warned Christians about those in the congregations who were beginning to think like the world. He said: “They consider luxurious living in the daytime a pleasure. They are spots and blemishes, indulging with unrestrained delight in their deceptive teachings while feasting together with you. For they utter swelling expressions of no profit, and by the desires of the flesh and by loose habits they entice those who are just escaping from people who conduct themselves in error. While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are existing as slaves of corruption. For whoever is overcome by another is enslaved by this one.”​—2 Peter 2:13, 18, 19.

⁹ If we try to satisfy “the desire of the eyes,” that is, have everything we want, we will not have freedom. Instead, we will become slaves to Satan the Devil, this world’s invisible master. (1 John 5:19) The danger of becoming a slave to materialism is very real. If that happens, it can be difficult to escape.

A CAREER WITH A REAL PURPOSE

10, 11. Who are Satan’s favorite targets? How can higher education cause difficulties for young Christians?

¹⁰ Satan attacks those who have little experience. His favorite targets today are young people. He is not happy when a young person, or anyone else, decides to be a slave for Jehovah. Satan wants those who dedicate their lives to Jehovah to fail in their loyalty and in their devotion to God.

¹¹ When a slave had his ear pierced, he may have felt some pain. But afterward, a mark remained that would show everyone that he had decided to stay with his master. It can be difficult or painful for young people to make choices in life that are different from the people around them. For example, Satan promotes the idea that having a career in his world is the way to have a real purpose in life. But only when we make Jehovah the most important part of our life will we have a real purpose in life. Jesus said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.” (Matthew 5:3) Christians dedicate their lives to do Jehovah’s will, not Satan’s. They read the Bible and meditate on it “day and night.” (Read Psalm 1:1-3.) However, much of today’s higher education does not leave much time for a servant of God to meditate on God’s Word and to serve Jehovah.

12. What choice do many young people have today?

¹² A worldly master could make life very difficult for a Christian slave. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said: “Were you called when a slave? Do not let it worry you; but if you can also become free, rather seize the opportunity.” (1 Corinthians 7:21) If the slave had a worldly master who made life difficult, it would have been much better for the slave to be free. Today, in many countries, the law says that young people should go to school for a certain number of years. After that, students are given a choice. They can choose whether to continue to get more education or not. It can become very difficult to have the freedom to serve Jehovah in the full-time service when a Christian chooses higher education just to have a career in this world.​—Read 1 Corinthians 7:23.

HIGHER EDUCATION OR THE BEST EDUCATION?

13. What education helps Jehovah’s servants the most?

¹³ Paul warned the Christians who lived in Colossae: “Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) Many teachers teach “the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men.” Higher education, which often includes these teachings, does not always provide students with practical skills, and they may not be prepared for everyday life. But Christians choose education that will give them the skills they need to live a simple life so that they can serve God. They take seriously Paul’s counsel to Timothy: “To be sure, it is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.” (1 Timothy 6:6, 8) Instead of getting degrees so that they can have titles after their names, true Christians work hard to get “letters of recommendation” by being in the field ministry as much as they can.​—Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-3.

14. When we read Philippians 3:8, what do we learn about Paul’s view of being a slave of God and Christ?

¹⁴ We can learn from Paul’s example. He was taught by the Jewish Law teacher Gamaliel. The education he received can be compared with a university education today. But what did Paul think when he compared it with the honor of being a slave for God and Christ? He wrote: “I . . . consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Then he added: “On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8) Paul’s view can help young Christians and their parents to make a wise choice in education. (See pictures.)

BENEFIT FROM THE BEST EDUCATION

15, 16. What education does Jehovah’s organization provide, and what is its purpose?

¹⁵ What is it like in many places of higher education? People at these places often feel free to rebel and show that they are angry with the government and other authorities. (Ephesians 2:2) However, Jehovah’s organization provides the best education in the peaceful environment of the congregation. All of us can benefit every week from the Theocratic Ministry School. There are also other schools that we can benefit from. For example, there is a school for single pioneer brothers called the Bible School for Single Brothers, and for married pioneers there is the Bible School for Christian Couples. All these schools help us to obey our heavenly Master, Jehovah.

¹⁶ We can discover many precious truths from the Watch Tower Publications Index or the Watchtower Library on CD-ROM. The main purpose of our Bible education is to worship Jehovah. It teaches us how to help others become friends of God. (2 Corinthians 5:20) Then those we teach will be able to teach others.​—2 Timothy 2:2.

THE SLAVE’S REWARD

17. When we choose the best education, what benefits do we receive?

¹⁷ In Jesus’ illustration of the talents, the two faithful slaves were commended for their work. This made them and their master happy. To show his approval, he gave them more work. (Read Matthew 25:21, 23.) We can be happy and have a purpose in life if we choose the best education. For example, Michael did very well in school. When his teachers invited him to a meeting so that they could discuss his possibilities of going to a university, they were surprised to find out that he did not choose higher education. Instead, he took a short course that trained him in a practical skill. This made it possible for him to care for his needs and to pioneer. Did he feel that he made the wrong decision? He says that the education he has received from the Bible and as an elder in the congregation has been very valuable. He says: “The blessings and privileges I enjoy far outweigh any money I might have earned. I am really glad that I chose not to pursue higher education.”

18. Why choose the best education?

¹⁸ The best education teaches us God’s will and helps us to be Jehovah’s slaves. It gives us the hope of being “set free from enslavement to corruption” and eventually having “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21) Most important, it is the best way to show that we really love our Master, Jehovah.​—Exodus 21:5.

1. What assembly of God’s people will we learn more about? What questions should we think about?

“RISE, bless Jehovah your God from time indefinite to time indefinite.” With these moving words, the Levites invited God’s people to come together and pray to Jehovah. This is one of the longest prayers in the Bible. (Nehemiah 9:4, 5) The assembly was in Jerusalem in the year 455 before Christ, on the 24th day of the seventh Jewish month, Tishri. As we learn more about this assembly, think about these questions: What did the Levites regularly do that helped make this assembly so successful? What can we learn from the Levites’ well-prepared prayer? Let us first talk about some of the things that happened just before this special day.​—Psalm 141:2.

A SPECIAL MONTH

2. How are the Israelites a good example for us today?

² A month before that special assembly, the Jews had finished rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. (Nehemiah 6:15) They had completed the work in just 52 days. Then on the first day of the next month, Tishri, they gathered together at the public square to hear Ezra and other Levites read and explain God’s Law. Whole families, including children, stood and listened from sunrise until noon. Those Israelites are a very good example for us today. Even though we may attend meetings in a comfortable Kingdom Hall, we might sometimes start thinking about other things during the meeting. But those Israelites listened carefully, thought about what they heard, and even began crying when they realized that they had not been obeying God’s Law.​—Nehemiah 8:1-9.

3. What command did the Israelites obey?

³ But this was not the time to confess sins. It was a festival day, and Jehovah wanted the people to be happy. (Numbers 29:1) So Nehemiah told them: “Go, eat the fatty things and drink the sweet things, and send portions to the one for whom nothing has been prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord, and do not feel hurt, for the joy of Jehovah is your stronghold.” The people obeyed, and there was “great rejoicing” on that day.​—Nehemiah 8:10-12.

4. What did the Israelite family heads do? What did the Levites do each day of this Festival of Booths?

⁴ On the next day, all the family heads met to study the Law to make sure that they were obeying all of God’s commands. While they studied the Law, they realized that the nation was supposed to celebrate the Festival of Booths. The festival began on the 15th day of the month and concluded with a solemn assembly on the 22nd day. So the people started to prepare for it right away. That festival was the most successful Festival of Booths since the time of Joshua, and there was “very great rejoicing.” Each day of the festival, the Levites read God’s Law to all the people.​—Nehemiah 8:13-18.

A DAY TO CONFESS SINS

5. What did God’s people do just before the Levites began their prayer?

⁵ Two days after the festival, on the 24th day of Tishri, the time was right for the people to confess their sins. This was not a day of eating and rejoicing. Instead, God’s people fasted and wore sackcloth to show how sorry they were for disobeying God’s Law. Again, the Levites read God’s Law to the people for about three hours in the morning. In the afternoon, the people “were making confession and bowing down to Jehovah their God.” It was then that the Levites began to pray for all the people. ​—Nehemiah 9:1-4.

6. What helped the Levites offer such a meaningful prayer? What can we learn from the Levites?

⁶ The Levites regularly read God’s Law, and that helped them to prepare this meaningful prayer. The first part of the prayer emphasizes Jehovah’s works and qualities. In the rest of the prayer, the Levites described the many sins of the people and clearly explained why the Israelites were not worthy of God’s “abundant mercy.” (Nehemiah 9:19, 27, 28, 31) What can we learn from the Levites? We should read and meditate on God’s Word every day. In this way, we allow Jehovah to speak to us. And then when we pray, we will have more things to talk to Jehovah about, and our prayers will be more meaningful.​—Psalm 1:1, 2.

7. What did the Levites ask of God? What do we learn from their example?

⁷ In their prayer, the Levites made only one simple request. Near the end of the prayer, they asked: “Now, O our God, the God great, mighty and fear-inspiring, keeping the covenant and loving-kindness, do not let all the hardship that has found us, our kings, our princes and our priests and our prophets and our forefathers and all your people from the days of the kings of Assyria down to this day, seem little before you.” (Nehemiah 9:32) The Levites set a good example for us today. When we pray, we should praise and thank Jehovah before asking him for anything.

THEY PRAISED GOD’S GLORIOUS NAME

8, 9. (a) In what humble way did the Levites begin their prayer? (b) What two heavenly armies do the Levites mention?

⁸ The Levites were humble. Even though they said a beautiful prayer, they did not feel that their words were good enough to give Jehovah the praise that he deserves. So they began praying for all of Israel by humbly begging Jehovah: “Let them bless your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.”​—Nehemiah 9:5.

⁹ The prayer continues: “You are Jehovah alone, you yourself have made the heavens, even the heaven of the heavens, and all their army, the earth and all that is upon it, the seas and all that is in them; and you are preserving all of them alive; and the army of the heavens are bowing down to you.” (Nehemiah 9:6) Here, the Levites mentioned some of the amazing things that Jehovah created. He made the heavens and “their army,” the many galaxies of stars. He also created everything on our beautiful planet and made it possible for the many living things on it to keep reproducing. The prayer also mentions another army. It describes God’s angels as “the army of the heavens.” (1 Kings 22:19; Job 38:4, 7) These angels humbly do God’s will by serving lowly humans. (Hebrews 1:14) Today, we too serve Jehovah unitedly like a well-trained army. We should imitate the angels by serving God humbly.​—1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.

10. What do we learn from what God did for Abraham?

¹⁰ Next, the Levites mentioned what God did for Abram. Jehovah changed his name to Abraham, meaning “father of a crowd,” even though he was 99 years old and had no children. (Genesis 17:1-6, 15, 16) God also told Abraham that his seed, or descendants, would inherit the land of Canaan. The Levites described how Jehovah kept his promise: “You are Jehovah the true God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and constituted his name Abraham. And you found his heart faithful before you; so there was a contracting of the covenant with him to give him the land of the Canaanites, . . . to give it to his seed; and you proceeded to carry out your words, because you are righteous.” (Nehemiah 9:7, 8) Humans often forget what they promise. But we can be like Jehovah by always trying to keep our promises.​—Matthew 5:37.

WONDERFUL THINGS JEHOVAH DID FOR HIS PEOPLE

11, 12. What is the meaning of Jehovah’s name? What did Jehovah do for his people that shows he is worthy of his name?

¹¹ The name Jehovah means “He Causes to Become.” This means that God keeps working to make his promises come true. A wonderful example of this is the way he kept his promise to the descendants of Abraham, the nation of Israel. When they were slaves in Egypt, God promised that they would be freed and live in the Promised Land. At that time, this seemed impossible. But God kept doing what was needed until his promise finally came true. In this way, he proved himself worthy of the great name Jehovah.

¹² In their prayer, the Levites described some of the things Jehovah did for his people: “You saw the affliction of our forefathers in Egypt, and their outcry at the Red Sea you heard. Then you gave signs and miracles against Pharaoh and all his servants and all the people of his land, for you knew that they acted presumptuously against them; and you proceeded to make a name for yourself as at this day. And the sea you split before them, so that they crossed over through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their pursuers you hurled into the depths like a stone in the strong waters.” The Levites continued by saying that Jehovah helped his people conquer the Promised Land: “You proceeded to subdue before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites.” Then the Levites added that God’s people “went capturing fortified cities and a fat soil and taking in possession houses full of all good things, cisterns hewn out, vineyards and olive groves and trees for food in abundance, and they began to eat and to be satisfied and to grow fat,” as they enjoyed the good things that God had given them.​—Nehemiah 9:9-11, 24, 25.

13. Soon after the Israelites left Egypt, what did Jehovah do for them? What did the people later do?

¹³ Jehovah did many other things to cause his promises to come true. For example, soon after the Israelites left Egypt, Jehovah gave them laws and taught them how to worship. The Levites said in their prayer: “Upon Mount Sinai you came down and spoke with them out of heaven and went on to give them upright judicial decisions and laws of truth, good regulations and commandments.” (Nehemiah 9:13) Jehovah had chosen the Israelites as his people and was going to give them the Promised Land. So he taught them to behave in a way that would be worthy of his name. But they did not obey Jehovah’s commands for very long.​—Read Nehemiah 9:16-18.

THE ISRAELITES NEEDED DISCIPLINE

14, 15. (a) How did Jehovah show mercy to the Israelites? (b) What do we learn from the way God treated the Israelites?

¹⁴ The Levites’ prayer mentions two wrong things that Israel did soon after they promised to obey God’s Law at Mount Sinai. Because of those sins, Israel deserved to die in the wilderness. But Jehovah showed them mercy and continued to care for their needs. The prayer praises Jehovah: “For forty years you provided them with food in the wilderness. They lacked nothing. Their very garments did not wear out, and their feet themselves did not become swollen.” (Nehemiah 9:19, 21) Today, Jehovah also cares for our needs so that we can serve him faithfully. We never want to lose our faith in Jehovah and disobey him like the thousands of Israelites who died in the wilderness. Their bad example is a warning to us.​—1 Corinthians 10:1-11.

¹⁵ Sadly, the Israelites who entered the Promised Land did not stay faithful to Jehovah. They started to worship Canaanite gods, which included doing immoral things and even sacrificing their children. So Jehovah allowed other nations to treat the Israelites harshly. But when the Israelites repented, Jehovah forgave them and helped them defeat their enemies. This happened again and again. (Read Nehemiah 9:26-28, 31.) The Levites confessed: “You were indulgent with them for many years and kept bearing witness against them by your spirit by means of your prophets, and they did not give ear. Finally you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.”​—Nehemiah 9:30.

16, 17. (a) What was the result when the Israelites again started to disobey Jehovah? (b) What did the Israelites confess? What did they promise to do?

¹⁶ After returning from Babylon, the Israelites again started to disobey Jehovah. What was the result? The Levites explained in their prayer: “Look! We are today slaves; and as for the land that you gave to our forefathers to eat its fruitage and its good things, look! we are slaves upon it, and its produce is abounding for the kings that you have put over us because of our sins, and . . . we are in great distress.” The Israelites had become slaves in the land that Jehovah had given them.​—Nehemiah 9:36, 37.

¹⁷ Were the Levites saying that God was being unfair to his people? Certainly not! They confessed: “You are righteous as regards all that has come upon us, for faithfully is how you have acted, but we are the ones that have done wickedly.” (Nehemiah 9:33) They finished their unselfish prayer with a serious promise that the nation would obey God’s Law. (Read Nehemiah 9:38; 10:29) They wrote their promise in a document that was signed by 84 Jewish leaders.​—Nehemiah 10:1-27.

18, 19. (a) What do we need if we want to be in God’s new world? (b) What should we continue to pray for? Why?

¹⁸ If we want to be the kind of person Jehovah wants in his new world, we need to be disciplined by him. The apostle Paul asked: “What son is he that a father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:7) If we accept discipline from Jehovah and keep serving him faithfully, we show that we are allowing him to train us. And if we commit a serious sin, we can be sure that Jehovah will forgive us if we truly repent and humbly accept his discipline.

¹⁹ Soon, Jehovah will do things that will be even more wonderful than the things he did when he saved the Israelites from Egypt. Then everyone will know what a great God he is. (Ezekiel 38:23) At that time, when God sanctifies his name, all who have been faithful to him will enter his new world, just as certainly as the Israelites entered the Promised Land. (2 Peter 3:13) So let us continue to pray for God’s glorious name to be sanctified. The next article will discuss another prayer that can help us to do what is needed to have God’s blessing now and forever.

1, 2. What did Jesus do after he celebrated the Passover with his apostles in the year 33?

IT WAS late in the evening of Nisan 14 in the year 33. Jesus and his closest friends had just celebrated the Passover. This celebration reminded them of how God had saved the Israelites from Egypt. But Jesus’ faithful disciples would be saved in a much greater way. The next day, Jesus would be put to death by his enemies. The sacrifice of his perfect life would make it possible for all humans to be freed from sin and death.​—Hebrews 9:12-14.

² To make sure that we do not forget this loving gift from God, Jesus started a new observance that replaced the annual Passover. He took a loaf of unleavened bread, broke it, and passed it to each of his 11 faithful apostles. He told them: “This means my body which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” He also passed a cup of red wine to them and said: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf.”​—Luke 22:19, 20.

3. (a) What big change happened after Jesus’ death? (b) What questions should we think about as we examine Jesus’ prayer?

³ The Law covenant between God and the nation of Israel was soon going to end. There would be a new covenant between Jehovah and Jesus’ anointed followers. Jesus did not want his followers to become like the nation of Israel. The Israelites were not united in their worship of God, and this dishonored God’s name. (John 7:45-49; Acts 23:6-9) Jesus wanted his followers to work together unitedly so that they could bring honor to God’s name. So, what did Jesus do? He asked for his Father’s help in the most beautiful prayer that any human will ever have the honor to read. (See opening picture.) This prayer is recorded at John 17:1-26. As we examine this prayer, let us think about these questions: “Has God answered Jesus’ prayer? Am I acting in harmony with it?”

WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO JESUS

4, 5. (a) What do we learn from the first part of Jesus’ prayer? (b) How did Jehovah answer the request that Jesus made for himself?

⁴ Jesus taught his disciples many wonderful things until late at night. Then he looked up to heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your son, that your son may glorify you, according as you have given him authority over all flesh, that, as regards the whole number whom you have given him, he may give them everlasting life.” He added: “I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do. So now you, Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.”​—John 17:1-5.

⁵ Jesus began his prayer by mentioning the things that were most important to him. First, he prayed that his Father be glorified. Jesus had started his model prayer by asking for the same thing. (Luke 11:2) Second, he prayed for the needs of his disciples. He asked that “he may give them everlasting life.” Finally, Jesus asked for something for himself. He asked: “Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.” Jehovah heard his Son’s prayer and gave him even more than he asked for. God gave him “a name more excellent than” that of all the angels.​—Hebrews 1:4.

“TAKING IN KNOWLEDGE” OF THE ONLY TRUE GOD

6. What did the apostles need to do to receive everlasting life? How do we know that the apostles did this?

⁶ In his prayer, Jesus also mentioned what we must do to receive the gift of everlasting life. (Read John 17:3.) He said that we must keep “taking in knowledge” of God and Christ. How can we do this? First, we must do all we can to learn more about Jehovah and his Son. Second, we need to use what we have learned in our life. The apostles had already done these two things, as Jesus said in his prayer: “The sayings that you gave me I have given to them, and they have received them.” (John 17:8) But to receive everlasting life, they needed to keep meditating on God’s Word and to use what they had learned in their daily lives. Did the apostles keep doing this for the rest of their lives on earth? Yes, they did. We know this because each of their names is forever written on the 12 foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.​—Revelation 21:14.

7. What does “taking in knowledge” of God mean? Why is taking in knowledge of God so important?

⁷ If we want to live forever, we must keep “taking in knowledge” of God. What does this mean? The Greek word used here can also be translated “should keep on knowing” or “should continue knowing.” So “taking in knowledge” of God means to keep learning more and more about him. But this means much more than just knowing his qualities and purpose. We must love him deeply and have a close friendship with him. And we must show love for our brothers and sisters. The Bible explains: “He that does not love has not come to know God.” (1 John 4:8) Knowing God also includes being obedient to him. (Read 1 John 2:3-5.) It is a great honor to be among those who know Jehovah! But we must be careful not to lose our precious friendship with him, as Judas Iscariot did. So let us work hard to strengthen our friendship with Jehovah. If we do, Jehovah will give us the wonderful gift of everlasting life.​—Matthew 24:13.

“ON ACCOUNT OF YOUR OWN NAME”

8, 9. What was the most important thing to Jesus while he was on earth? What teaching must Jesus have hated?

⁸ As we read Jesus’ prayer in John chapter 17, we can see Jesus’ deep love not only for his apostles but also for us. (John 17:20) The most important thing to Jesus, though, is not our salvation. During the whole time he was on earth, the most important thing to him was to glorify his Father’s name. For example, when Jesus first explained why he had come to earth, he read from the scroll of Isaiah: “Jehovah’s spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news to the poor.” We can be sure that when Jesus read this, he pronounced God’s name clearly.​—Luke 4:16-21.

⁹ Long before Jesus came to earth, Jewish religious leaders taught people not to use God’s name. Imagine how much Jesus must have hated that tradition. He said to those religious leaders: “I have come in the name of my Father, but you do not receive me; if someone else arrived in his own name, you would receive that one.” (John 5:43) Then, a few days before his death, Jesus again mentioned what was most important to him when he prayed: “Father, glorify your name.” (John 12:28) And in the prayer that we are discussing, it is also clear that the most important thing in Jesus’ life was to give glory to his Father’s name.

10, 11. (a) How did Jesus make his Father’s name known? (b) Why are Jesus’ disciples making Jehovah’s name known?

¹⁰ Jesus prayed: “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word. Also, I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world and I am coming to you. Holy Father, watch over them on account of your own name which you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are.”​—John 17:6, 11.

¹¹ When Jesus made his Father’s name “manifest,” or known, to his disciples, he did much more than just use the name Jehovah. Jesus helped them to understand who Jehovah is. He taught them about God’s wonderful qualities and the loving way he treats us. (Exodus 34:5-7) Jesus is now King in heaven, and he continues to help his disciples to make Jehovah’s name known in all the earth. Why is this work being done? To help more people learn about Jehovah before the end of this wicked system. And when that time comes, he will save his loyal witnesses and everyone will know Jehovah’s great name!​—Ezekiel 36:23.

“THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE”

12. What three things do we need to do to finish the work that Jesus started?

¹² Jesus commanded his disciples to finish the work that he had started. He prayed: “Just as you sent me forth into the world, I also sent them forth into the world.” But Jesus knew that they needed help to do this work. While he was with them, Jesus worked hard to help his disciples overcome their weaknesses. And in his prayer, he asked Jehovah to help his disciples to do three important things. First, he prayed that his disciples would be no part of Satan’s world. Second, he prayed that his disciples would obey God’s Word and be kept holy. Third, Jesus begged that his disciples would be united, just as he and his Father are united. Each of us needs to ask, ‘Am I doing the three things that Jesus mentioned in his prayer?’ Jesus had confidence that if his disciples did those things, many people would accept their message.​—Read John 17:15-21.

13. How did Jehovah answer Jesus’ prayer in the first century?

¹³ When we study the book of Acts, we can see that Jehovah answered Jesus’ prayer. The Christians in the first century were made up of Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, slaves and slave owners. Think of the divisions there could have been among them! But they were so closely united that the apostle Paul compared them to different parts of a human body with Jesus as their head. (Ephesians 4:15, 16) In Satan’s divided world, this kind of unity was possible only because of Jehovah’s powerful holy spirit.​—1 Corinthians 3:5-7.

14. How has Jesus’ prayer been answered in our time?

¹⁴ Sadly, things changed after the death of the apostles. There was a great apostasy. False teachings entered the congregation, and this resulted in disunity. (Acts 20:29, 30) But in the year 1919, Jesus released anointed Christians from the power of false religion and gathered them together in “a perfect bond of union.” (Colossians 3:14) What has been the result of their united preaching work? More than seven million people from “all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” are now worshipping Jehovah unitedly with the anointed. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) This is an amazing answer to Jesus’ prayer to Jehovah, “that the world may have the knowledge that you sent me forth and that you loved them just as you loved me.”​—John 17:23.

AN ENDEARING CONCLUSION

15. What special request did Jesus make for his anointed followers?

¹⁵ Earlier on the evening of Nisan 14, Jesus gave “glory,” or honor, to his apostles by making a covenant with them to rule with him in his Kingdom. (John 17:22; Luke 22:28-30) So Jesus now prayed for all who would become his anointed followers: “Father, as to what you have given me, I wish that, where I am, they also may be with me, in order to behold my glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the founding of the world.” (John 17:24) The other sheep are happy about the reward that the anointed will have, not envious. This is also proof that true Christians today really are united.

16, 17. (a) At the end of his prayer, what did Jesus say that he would continue to do? (b) What should we continue to do?

¹⁶ Most in the world choose to ignore that Jehovah has a people who are united and who truly know him. This often happens because of the lies taught by religious leaders. This happened in Jesus’ day too. So he ended his prayer with these words: “Righteous Father, the world has, indeed, not come to know you; but I have come to know you, and these have come to know that you sent me forth. And I have made your name known to them and will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them.”​—John 17:25, 26.

¹⁷ Jesus has truly made his Father’s name known. And now, as Head of the congregation, he continues to help us make his Father’s name and purpose known to others. Let us obey Jesus’ direction and zealously preach and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 10:42) Let us also work hard to stay united as God’s people. We will then be acting in harmony with Jesus’ prayer. This will result in glory to Jehovah’s name and in our everlasting happiness.

MY FATHER and mother met in 1919 at the convention of the International Bible Students in Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A. They got married later that same year. I was born in 1922, and my brother, Paul, was born two years later. My wife, Grace, was born in 1930. Her parents, Roy and Ruth Howell, were raised as Bible Students, and her grandparents were also Bible Students and friends of Brother Charles Taze Russell.

I met Grace in 1947, and we got married on July 16, 1949. Before we got married, we spoke honestly about our future. We decided to work in the full-time ministry together and not to have children. On October 1, 1950, we began our pioneer service. Then in 1952, we were invited to do circuit work.

TRAVELING WORK AND GILEAD TRAINING

Both of us felt that we needed much help to succeed in our new assignment. While I learned from mature brothers, I also wanted Grace to receive good training. I spoke with Marvin Holien, who was a family friend and an experienced traveling overseer, and asked: “Grace is young and lacks experience. Can you recommend someone she can work with for a while to get some training?” He said that Edna Winkle was an experienced pioneer who could help her a lot. Later, Grace said that Edna made her feel comfortable speaking to people at the doors, knew how to respond when people disagreed, and taught her how to listen carefully and choose the best answer. Grace also said, “She was just what I needed!”

Grace and I served in two circuits in the state of Iowa. The circuits also included parts of the states of Minnesota and South Dakota. Then we were transferred to New York Circuit 1, which included the areas of Brooklyn and Queens. We will never forget how inexperienced we felt. The circuit included the Brooklyn Heights Congregation, which met in the Kingdom Hall at Bethel and had many experienced Bethel family members. After I gave my first service talk to that congregation, Brother Nathan Knorr came up to me and said: “Malcolm, you gave us some counsel to work on, and it was appropriate. Don’t forget, if you don’t help us by giving us kindly counsel, you are of little value to the organization. Keep up the good work.” After the meeting, I told this to Grace. Later, we went upstairs to our Bethel room. We were so tired from all the stress that we cried.

After a few months, we received a letter inviting us to attend the 24th class of Gilead School, which would graduate in February 1955. Before going to school, we were told that we might not be sent out as missionaries. Instead, the training would help us to be more useful in the traveling work. Being in the school was wonderful, and it also taught us to be humble.

When we finished the course, we were assigned to serve in the district work. Our district included the states of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Then, in December 1955, we were surprised to receive a letter from Brother Knorr saying: “Be honest with me now. If you say you are willing to come to Bethel and remain here . . . or if you are willing to take a foreign assignment after you are at Bethel for a while, let me know. If you prefer the district and the circuit work, I would like to know that.” We replied that we would be happy to do whatever we were assigned to do. Right away we were told to come to Bethel!

EXCITING YEARS AT BETHEL

During those exciting years at Bethel, I was assigned to give talks and teach in many places in the United States. I helped train many young men who would later have great responsibilities in Jehovah’s organization. Later, I worked as a secretary for Brother Knorr in the office that organized the worldwide preaching work.

To me, the years I spent in the Service Department were especially enjoyable. There I worked with T. J. (Bud) Sullivan. He was the overseer of that department for many years. I also learned much from others. For example, I learned a lot from Fred Rusk, who was assigned to train me. I remember asking him why he made so many corrections to my letters. He laughed and said, “Malcolm, when you say something orally, it can be explained with further words, but when you write something, especially when it comes from here, it has to be as sound and as accurate as possible.” Then he told me: “Be of good courage. You are doing well, and in time, you will be fine.”

During our years at Bethel, Grace had several different jobs, including cleaning rooms as a housekeeper. She enjoyed the work. Even now, when we meet some of the brothers who were young men when we were at Bethel, they tell Grace with a smile, “You really taught me how to make a bed, and I can tell you my mother liked what you did.” Grace also enjoyed working in the Magazine, Correspondence, and Tape Duplicating departments. Those different assignments helped her to learn that no matter what we do or where we are, serving in Jehovah’s organization is an honor and a blessing. After all these years, she still feels the same way.

CHANGES WE HAVE MADE

About 1975, we began to realize that our parents were getting older and needed more help. Eventually, we had to make a difficult decision. We did not want to leave Bethel and the brothers and sisters we loved very much. Still, I felt that it was my responsibility to help care for our parents. Later, we left Bethel, but we hoped to return when our situation changed.

To earn money for our family, I began selling insurance. I will always remember what one manager told me while I was in training: “This business is built on making evening calls. That’s when you can see the people. Nothing is more important than to be there every evening, making calls.” I told him that I respected his experience and what he said, but I had always put worship to God first in my life and I was not going to change now. I agreed to make some evening calls, but I told him that on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, I needed to attend very important meetings. Jehovah has truly blessed me for not missing meetings because of secular work.

We were with my mother when she died in a nursing home in July 1987. The nurse in charge came to Grace and said: “Mrs. Allen, go home and get some rest. Everyone knows you were here all the time for your mother-in-law. Have peace of mind and self-respect.”

In December 1987, we applied to serve again at Bethel, the place we loved. But only days later, we learned that Grace had colon cancer. After surgery and a successful recovery, we were told that her cancer was gone. During that time, we also received a letter from Bethel that recommended we continue serving with the local congregation. We were determined to continue working hard for Jehovah.

Later, I found a job in Texas. We thought the warmer weather there would be good for us, and it has been. Ever since we moved here 25 years ago, we have been surrounded by loving brothers and sisters who have become our very close friends.

LESSONS WE HAVE LEARNED

Over the years, Grace has suffered colon, thyroid, and breast cancer, but she has never complained about her life. She has always cooperated with me and respected me as head of the family. People often ask her about the secret to our successful marriage and our happiness. She explains that we are best friends, we communicate every day, we love to spend time together, and we never go to sleep while we are angry with each other. Of course, sometimes we irritate each other, but we always forgive, and that truly works.

During all our trials, there are several good lessons that we have learned:

1.  Always trust in Jehovah and accept what he allows to happen. Never lean on your own understanding.​—Proverbs 3:5, 6; Jeremiah 17:7.

2.  No matter what happens, always look to the Bible for direction. Being obedient to Jehovah and his laws is very important. Either we are obedient or not, but we cannot be both.​—Romans 6:16; Hebrews 4:12.

3.  One thing in life is most important, Jehovah’s approval. Put what Jehovah wants first in your life, not money.​—Proverbs 28:20; Ecclesiastes 7:1; Matthew 6:33, 34.

4.  Pray for help to work hard and to be successful in Jehovah’s service. Think about what you can do, not what you cannot do.​—Matthew 22:37; 2 Timothy 4:2.

5.  Know that no other organization has Jehovah’s blessing and favor.​—John 6:68.

We have been married for almost 65 years now, and we have each served Jehovah for more than 75 years. It has been wonderful serving Jehovah together for so long. We hope and pray that all our brothers and sisters will also be able to feel how rewarding life is when you lean on Jehovah.

At the beginning of the 1900’s, people enjoyed a silent film called A Trip Down Market Street. The film showed life in San Francisco, U.S.A., as it was back then. The filmmakers had put a hand-operated camera on the front of a moving cable car and focused it on the busy streets ahead. The film showed horses pulling wagons, automobiles from that time, as well as people shopping and newsboys working.

What makes this film so sad if we watch it today is that it was probably filmed in April 1906, just before the deadly earthquake and fire on April 18 that killed thousands and almost destroyed that part of the city. Some of the people shown in the film probably had only a few more days to live. Scott Miles, a descendant of one of the filmmakers, says: “I just see the people there, and they don’t know what’s about to hit them. And you can’t help but feel for them.”

When we compare what happened back then to our day, it makes us think seriously. We too cannot help but feel for our neighbors. They are busy with everyday life and have no idea of the disaster that will soon come, that is, the destruction of this wicked world and their way of life. However, this disaster is different from an earthquake, which can happen without warning. We have a brief opportunity to warn our neighbors about Jehovah’s day of judgment. You probably use some time each week to preach from door to door, but can you do more to warn others?

JESUS WAS ALWAYS READY TO PREACH

Jesus’ example is important to us. He was always ready to preach to everyone he met, including a tax collector he met on the road and a woman he met at a well during a pause at noon. (Luke 19:1-5; John 4:5-10, 21-24) Even when Jesus had some time to relax, he willingly changed his plans so that he could teach others. The compassion he felt for his neighbors made him do as much as he could to teach them. (Mark 6:30-34) How are publishers today imitating Jesus’ example of being always ready to preach an urgent message?

THEY USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PREACH

Melika lives in a high-security apartment building that is difficult to enter. Many of her neighbors are foreign students. They use mobile phones with numbers that are not listed anywhere, and their names do not appear in the building’s lobby directory. She is happy to use every opportunity she has to start conversations about the Bible with those she meets in the lobby and in the elevator. She says, “In a way, I consider it my territory.” Melika carries literature with her in different languages, and many of her neighbors accept tracts and magazines. She also shows people how to get to our Web site, jw.org. She has started several Bible studies.

Sonia also carefully looks for opportunities to preach. She works at a doctor’s clinic, and she made it her goal to give a good witness to each of her workmates. First, she found out what each of them needed and what interested them. Then, she used her lunchtime breaks to find each one of them and have a conversation about the Bible. As a result, Sonia started two Bible studies. She is also planning to take some of her breaks in the lobby of the medical center and speak to those who are waiting for their appointments.

USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY

One person who survived the 1906 earthquake said that it was the most terrible disaster that ever happened to a city or a state. However, all disasters will be nothing compared to the day of vengeance soon to come upon all “those who do not know God.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8) Jehovah really wants people to change their mind and heart and respond to the warning message that his Witnesses preach.​—2 Peter 3:9, footnote; Revelation 14:6, 7.

You have the honor of helping people to understand that we are living in critical times. They need to stop looking for only their own interests and begin to serve Jehovah. (Zephaniah 2:2, 3) Can you use every opportunity to preach to your workmates, to your neighbors, and to the people you meet every day? Will you do more to warn others?