The little band of locals saw no difficulty going toward that path. It was in Egypt that he forecasted fate to the nation and its rambunctious city of Memphis. Their opportunity would arrive and Memphis would lie ruined and with no individuals, he said. Jeremiah made an honest effort to persuade the individuals that their method of living was unapproved by God.
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Midweek Meeting
Le 5:1—How does this verse apply to Christians?
It applies to Christians in the sense that someone may be a witness to wrongdoing and be tempted to hide it because the sinner is a close friend It bothers on loyalty to a friend or loyalty to Jehovah. If we are loyal to the friend we may hide the sin but it is much better for the person who sinned to seek the help of the elders. If he or she does not do so within a reasonable period of time, loyalty to God should move the Christian brother or sister to report the matter. That shows loyalty to Jehovah and kindness to the sinner.
Video
What health challenges has Takako faced, and what has helped her?
She had serious health issues with her skin and there were other health issues she did not disclose. She was encouraged to think about how Jehovah has used her to benefit many people who she had helped to learn the truth. In addition, she is happy that Jehovah’s people have cared for her and Jehovah never stopped caring for her.
What has brought them real joy and contentment?
Jehovah supported them in difficult times with the Bible, the organizations, and friends. When discouraged, they look to Jehovah for help and focused on full-time service to Jehovah.
WT Study
2. What example did King Asa set?
Asa set a good example by relying completely on Jehovah constantly. He cleared away any obstruction to pure worship and even removed a family member, his grandmother, who promoted false worship. He cleared out false worship entirely from Judah.
5. Why did Asa build up his military force?
He did not do it because he had no faith in Jehovah. Asa knew that it was his duty as king to prepare the people for the troubles they might face in the future. The Kingdom had a period of peace which Asa made use of because he knew that peace might not last. And yes, it did not last, so his plans paid off.
6. How did first-century Christians use a time of peace?
They used it to serve Jehovah, preaching the good news without letup, so they kept multiplying. Jehovah obviously blessed their zealous preaching during times of peace.
9. What is the situation in many lands today, and what can we ask ourselves?
In many lands today, we can preach without hindrance or disturbance because of the peace and freedom to worship in these lands. So, the question is ‘How am I using this freedom?’
10. What does 2 Timothy 4:2 encourage us to do?
It encourages us to see the preaching work as an urgent thing to do. So, we must preach when situations are favorable or unfavorable. We need to increase the time we spend teaching others about Jehovah.
16. How do we know that the time of peace will end?
We know because the Bible foretells it. Jesus foretold in Matt. 24:9 that in the last days, his disciples would “be hated by all the nations.” Also, the apostle Paul in 2 Tim. 3:12 said that all true Christians will be persecuted. Rev. 12:12 says that Satan has “great anger,” and much of that anger will be unleashed on Jehovah’s servants in the future.
17. In what ways may our faith be tested?
It is sure that during the great tribulation our preaching work may be banned and family members may turn against us or even actively persecute us. In various ways, our integrity and faith will be tested.
18. According to Hebrews 10:38, 39, what will help us to prepare for the end of peace?
The faithful and discreet slave is providing nourishing spiritual “food at the proper time” to help us remain steadfast to Jehovah. We can make use of this timely spiritual food to strengthen our faith and resolve to serve Jehovah in any circumstances we find ourselves.
3. What qualities will strengthen your desire to accept Jesus’ invitation?
The qualities are motivation, knowledge, courage, and self-discipline
4. What motivated Peter to be a fisherman?
Peter loved to catch fish, it was more than a job for him. He was passionate about it. When he became a fisher of men, these quality also helped him. He received backing from Jehovah as well. As a result, he became very good at his work.
6. What else motivates us to preach?
We want to always obey Jesus command to preach and make disciples. And when we see how poor people are spiritually, we are moved to act like Jesus who people were in dire need of learning the truth about the Kingdom.He at once started to teach them. We do the same.
7. How does Romans 10:13-15 show that the preaching work is important?
Verse 13 shows that the preaching work is a lifesaving work. That is why verse 15 describes the feet of those doing the work as beautiful or comely.
11. Why must fishers of men be courageous?
because like fishermen face challenges at sea, we may face “storms” of family opposition, ridicule from acquaintances, and resistance to our message. We are not surprised, for Jesus said that we will preach in hostile or unfriendly environment.
12. In line with Joshua 1:7-9, what can help us to build courage?
Faith in Jesus’ ability to direct the preaching work can help us. Also, we know that Jehovah will not abandon us. He will care for us. We began the journey with faith and courage. It is important for us to keep moving faith and reliance on Jehovah like Peter and his companions did.
13. How can meditation and prayer help you to build courage?
Prayer is our lifeline. When we pray, we show that we want Jehovah to support us. If we are sincere he will do so. Also, meditation on how Jehovah has saved others in the past can help. We need to be familiar with Jehovah’s saving acts recorded in the Bible, such as when he saved the Israelites from danger of the Red Sea and many other stories like that. With prayer and and meditiaon, we can build courage.
16. How can we develop self-discipline?
Constant training is required for us to develop self-discipline. This is one of the fruits of God’s holy spirit. We can ask for it in prayer to Jehovah.
Prophet Jeremiah had received word from the Lord that the nation of Israel would go into exile in Assyria. The time came for that disaster and many were taken by force to serve the king of Babylon, while some were killed. The word was for the Northern kingdom in Samaria since the land of Judah was still free from attack. A word from the prophet in this verse shows that the Jews had little hope, if care is not taken, none. Mentioning the calamity that would befall Egypt and Memphis was a powerful sign. When the kingdom fell to Babylon, a few remaining men and women ran away to Egypt, forcefully taking Jeremiah with them.
It was at this time that the prophet said the words read in this verse. He was shown care and love by the invading armies probably because he said that Babylon would destroy Jerusalem. The soldiers let him choose where he would live and he decided to live in Mizpah with Gedaliah, the governor. Gedaliah was killed and another man became governor in his place, telling the people, including Jeremiah that they should run away to Egypt. The land was an ancient civilization which wielded much power and some interactions with Israel since they share a common border. Formerly, the Jews spent about 400 years in slavery in Egypt but that was long ago.
The small band of natives saw no trouble going in that direction. It was in Egypt that he prophesied doom to the country and its boisterous city of Memphis. Their time would come and Memphis would lie desolate and without any people, he said. Jeremiah tried his best to convince the people that their way of living was unapproved by God. He had little success convincing his fellow men, for many of them died in ignorance. Before he died, the wise man told people living in several cities of Egypt that God would deal with Egypt and the Jews trying to escape from Babylonian hands will not be spared.
People didn’t listen as the old man preached and he wept for his nation and for all that happened to God’s land. He is famously known as the weeping prophet because it appeared he wept while delivering God’s messages to the people. This prophet lived at a time when the political and religious events were going on in the area known as Near East. They didn’t listen but he is viewed as a successful prophet who did 40 years in service, just like Moses.
This prophet mentioned Memphis because it was a prosperous city, a great place to be in the country. It was strategically located near the Nile River, also known as a huge religious cult center for the citizens. Some of the fleeing Jews saw the place as a nice place in which to hide but the man of God didn’t see things that way. Although he died in that land, his messages often offered a glimpse of hope for the righteous Jews. Even if the story was for the days after his death, here, the man spoke as if it was time for the Jews to pack their loads and go into exile in Babylon.
Apostle Paul was a man designated to take care of the spiritual needs of nations earth wide. He and his friends did it in full measure, making it possible for them to travel from one city to another. Sometimes, they stayed in homes of brothers or sisters for a day, two, or even weeks, encouraging them and letting them know what to do if they must have God’s favor. This verse spotlights a moment during one of those journeys that the men embarked on in furthering the good news. But more is involved because it mentions the name of the city and one disciple.
The place where Paul and his companions stopped was known as Caesarea, where Christians converted citizens to true worship. There were many pagans in that city and the temples were used as places of worship to various gods that Christians viewed as false deities. Philip, a man who was mentioned in just a few areas of scripture is the main subject here as he hosts Paul and the people traveling with him. This man was not one of the 12 apostles, but he has been mistaken for that one by many both in present and past times. Because he had four daughters who prophesied, some may confuse him with Jesus’ disciple.
Although he is not among those who closely followed Jesus, it is believed that Philip was one of the 70 apostles that the lord later sent to preach the good news. Some class him among deacons, and later among bishops, saying that at one time, he presided over a church. A day in the year was devoted to celebrating his existence in recognition of what he did for Christianity. When this man found himself in Ashdod, he declared the good news in all the cities he passed through until he came to the city mentioned in this verse, the place known as Caesarea. Being a devout person, Paul decided to sleep in his home for several days and continue his journey later.
This Bible verse describes him as being one of the seven who displayed notable spiritual qualities and was assigned to a very important task. At that time, the church went through hard times because some widows were given preference over other widows who were not Jewish. Seven men were selected to settle the matter by making sure no widow starved. Philip believed to be under the influence of the holy spirit was selected to control matters related to collecting food and distributing it so hunger was alleviated among the church members.
Living in a world where people did what they wanted out of regard for the living God was not a problem for Philip. He saw people worshiped idols, the consternation, and even their own selves but he continued faithful to God and his Christian brothers. Paul came to respect this man very much, referring to him in the holy book. He was mentioned alongside faithful men such as Stephen, Nicanor, and others for their great acts of wisdom in the congregation of God.
A secretive 2018 agreement between Beijing and the Vatican was renewed Thursday, despite strident US condemnation and warnings from underground Chinese priests loyal to Rome that they have only become more marginalised since it was signed.
The deal allows both Beijing and the Holy See a say in appointing bishops in an attempt to close a schism in China’s 12-million-strong Catholic community.