Monthly Archives: July 2020

2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Monday, July 20

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Monday, July 20

Let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers.​—Phil. 4:6, 7.
Perhaps there have been times in our life when we felt that we were following the leadings of God’s holy spirit, but then things did not turn out the way we expected. We came face-to-face with challenges or new circumstances that required massive changes in our life. (Eccl. 9:11) What can help us not to be anxious over anything and to experience “the peace of God”? Paul’s words to the Philippians show us that the antidote to worry is prayer. So when we are anxious, we need to turn our worries into prayers. (1 Pet. 5:6, 7) Pray to Jehovah in full faith, knowing that he cares for you. Pray to him “with thanksgiving,” remembering your blessings. Our confidence in him will be strengthened when we keep in mind that he can “do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive.”​—Eph. 3:20. w17.08 9 ¶4, 6; 10 ¶10

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Sunday, July 19

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Sunday, July 19

With humility consider others superior to you.​—Phil. 2:3.
Our motive for clothing ourselves with the new personality must be to honor Jehovah, not to win praise from men. Remember that even a once perfect spirit creature sinned because he allowed himself to become filled with pride. (Compare Ezekiel 28:17.) How much more difficult it is for sinful humans to avoid improper pride and haughtiness! Still, it is possible to clothe ourselves with humility. What will help us to do so? To remain humble, we need to set aside time to meditate daily on what we read in God’s Word. (Deut. 17:18-20) In particular, we do well to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and his wonderful example of humble service. (Matt. 20:28) Jesus even washed the feet of his apostles. (John 13:12-17) We also need to pray frequently for God’s spirit to help us fight any tendency of feeling superior to others.​—Gal. 6:3, 4. w17.08 25 ¶11-12

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“The King of the North” in the Time of the End

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See Also Related Articles:


                                               meetingBOX
                                          Treasures from God\’s Word 
                                          Living As Christians 
                                          Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

STUDY ARTICLE 19

“The King of the North” in the Time of the End

“In the time of the end the king of the south will engage with him [the king of the north] in a pushing.”​—DAN. 11:40.
SONG 150 Seek God for Your Deliverance
PREVIEW*
1. What does Bible prophecy reveal to us?
Not all Biblical professes have the purpose of predicting the future. However, there are professes of the Bible that help us know that important events will affect us very soon.
There is one in particular that reveals to us what some of the most powerful governments in the world will do. It is found in Daniel, chapter 11, and describes the struggle between two kings: the king of the north and the king of the south.
Much of that prophecy has already been fulfilled, so we can be sure that the rest will also come true.
2. As indicated at Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 11:7 and 12:17, what facts must we keep in mind when studying Daniel’s prophecy?
2 According to these texts we must bear in mind that it refers only to rulers and governments who have had a direct influence on the people of Jehovah, governments that have acted according to Satan’s\’ goal which is to eliminate those who serve Jehovah and Jesus.
Satan\’s primary goal and his entire system is to eliminate those who serve Jehovah and Jesus.
3. What will we discuss in this article and the one that follows?
3 In this and the following article we will discuss Daniel\’s prophecy which is recorded in Daniel chapter 11, in addition to this article we will review who were the king of the north and the king of the south between 1870 and 1991, and we will see why it is logical to change the way we understand a part of the prophecy and, for the next article, it will clarify what the prophecy tells us about the period that begins in the 1990 and culminates in Armageddon.
IDENTIFYING THE KING OF THE NORTH AND THE KING OF THE SOUTH
4. What three factors should we look for when identifying the king of the north and the king of the south?
4 Although the identities of the king of the north and the king of the south over time have been changing, during all this time they have kept three points in common. First, they have greatly influenced the people of Jehovah, second by the way they treat their people, they have shown that they hate the true God, and, third, both kings have become involved in a struggle against each other.
5. Can we identify the king of the north and the king of the south from the 2nd century C.E. to the late 19th century? Explain.
5 No, because if we remember the first two common points of these kings that were mentioned in the previous paragraph, we see that they have to do with the people of Jehovah, although among the second century there were Christians, these should not be considered as the people of Jehovah because they were false Christians, so we can say that during this time there was no organized group of servants of God who could be attacked , on the other hand we cannot be entirely sure as far as the end of the nineteenth century is concerned.
6. When could God’s people again be identified? Explain.
6 It was in 1870, and it was possible to know because it was on this date that Brother Russell and his companions formed a Bible study group. As predicted, this group was the messenger who would clear the way before the Messianic kingdom was established.
WHO IS THE KING OF THE SOUTH?
7. Who was the king of the south well into World War I?
7 Becoming the world\’s greatest empire, Britain was the king of the south until well into World War I.
8. Who has been the king of the south throughout the last days?
8 The king of the south over the last few days has been the alliance that exists between Britain and the United States that, as mentioned in Daniel 11:25, have formed an immensely large and powerful army.


THE KING OF THE NORTH REAPPEARS

9. When did the king of the north reappear, and how was Daniel 11:25 fulfilled?

•  This king reappeared in 1817, just after Russell and his companions formed his Bible study group and this king is Germany.

•  They have been fulfilled since Germany became a colonial power and began to gather a powerful execution, also defying Britain\’s supremacy.

10. How was Daniel 11:25b, 26 fulfilled?

10 It was fulfilled when officials as generals and military advisers of the emperor began as mentioned in Daniel\’s prophecy plotting evil plans against him, from withdrawing his support for the emperor, disclosing confidential information about the war and even forcing him to resign, followed by this also fulfilled these words when in World War I the German army was razed.

11. What did the king of the north and the king of the south do?

11 First lies began to be told about whether, wishing for peace, lies laid and despite that in 1914 war broke out, also in previous decades the king of the north that is to say Germany began to accumulate wealth, to the point that it became the second largest economy of the world and finally this king decides to fight against the king of the south, but as mentioned in the cited text he was humiliated, that is, he was defeated.

THE KINGS FIGHT GOD’S PEOPLE

12. In the first world war, what did the king of the north and the king of the south do?

12 The two kings redoubled their attacks on each other and also on the people of God. And in World War I, both the German and British governments persecuted God\’s servants who refused to fight, and the United States government also jailed those who led the preaching.

13. In the 1930’s and during the second world war, what did the king of the north do?

13 This king attacked the people of God without any compassion, they not only prohibited our work, but that Hitler and those who supported him killed hundreds of Jehovah\’s servants and also sent thousands to the concentration camps, and even Hitler swore that he would exterminate the God\’s people in Germany.

A NEW KING OF THE NORTH RISES

14. Who took on the role of the king of the north after the second world war? Explain.

14 After the Second World War, the Soviet Union assumed the role of the king of the north, and we know this since both it and its allies showed opposition to anyone who put the worship of Jehovah over the obedience to the state.*

15. What did the king of the north do after World War II ended?

15 What he did was oppose and attack God\’s people, from banning preaching to even sending thousands of Jehovah\’s servants into exile.

16. How did the Soviet Union fulfill Daniel 11:37-39?

16 Read Daniel 11:37-39. These words were fulfilled by wanting to completely end religions, so much so that he even ordered the teaching of atheism in schools, another way in which these words were fulfilled was when huge amounts of money were spent in order to reinforce their I exercise and produce thousands of nuclear weapons to increase their influence.

A RARE ACT OF COOPERATION

17. What is “the disgusting thing that causes desolation”?

17 This disgusting and devastating thing is the United Nations Organization.

18. Why is the United Nations described as a “disgusting thing”?

18 Firstly it is considered as the disgusting thing because it promises to bring world peace, something that obviously will not be able to because it is something that only the Kingdom of God can achieve, on the other hand it is considered as devastating because being the one who plays a very important role in the destruction of all false religions.

WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW THIS HISTORY?

19-20. (a) Why do we need to know this history? (b) What question will we answer in the next article?

19 (a) Because this is how we see a part of Daniel\’s prophecy about the king of the north and the king of the south was fulfilled between 1870 and 1991. Therefore we can have faith that the rest of this prophecy will also come true.

(b) The question is who is the king of the North today?

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

• What three factors help us identify “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”?

Although the identities of the king of the north and the king of the south have changed over time, during all this time they have kept three points in common. First, they have had a significant influence on Jehovah\’s people. Second, by the way they treat their people, they have shown that they hate the true God. And third, both kings have engaged in a fight against each other.

• Who fulfilled the roles of the king of the north and of the king of the south from the 1870’s to 1991?

Let\’s start with the king of the north who since 1871 was Germany, but already after the second world war who assumed this role was the Soviet Union, now the king of the south we can say that until well into the first world war it was Great Britain while throughout the last few days it has been this same with the alliance it has with the United States.

• Why do we need to know this history?

For thus we see how a part of Daniel\’s prophecy about the king of the north and the king of the south have been fulfilled. Therefore we can have faith that the rest of this prophecy will also come true.


SONG 128   Enduring to the End

We are seeing evidence that Daniel’s prophecy about “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” continues to be fulfilled. How can we be so sure? And why do we need to understand the details of this prophecy?

For the reason stated here, it no longer seems appropriate to list Roman Emperor Aurelian (270-275 C.E.) as a “king of the north” or Queen Zenobia (267-272 C.E.) as a “king of the south.” This updates what was published in chapters 13 and 14 of the book Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!

See the box “The Anglo-American World Power in Bible Prophecy.”

In 1890, Kaiser Wilhelm II forced Bismarck out of power.

They hastened the fall of the empire in a number of ways. For instance, they withdrew support for the Kaiser, leaked sensitive information about losses in the war, and forced the Kaiser to abdicate.

As indicated at Daniel 11:34, Christians living under the king of the north experienced some relief from persecution. This happened, for example, when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Saturday, July 18

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Saturday, July 18

Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and compassionate.​—Ex. 34:6.
On one occasion, God revealed himself to Moses by declaring His own name and qualities. The first ones that he listed were mercy and compassion. (Ex. 34:5-7) Jehovah could have stressed his power or his wisdom. Yet, to Moses, who was seeking reassurance of God’s backing, Jehovah emphasized instead qualities that underscore his willingness to help his servants. (Ex. 33:13) While humans were created to be compassionate, our imperfection as descendants of Adam inclines us toward self-interest. Sometimes we may find that it is not easy to decide whether we will help others or concentrate on ourselves. For some, this is an ongoing conflict, or a balancing act. What can help you to develop and maintain your interest in others? First, take time to examine how Jehovah has shown compassion and how others have shown it. Second, consider how you can imitate God’s example and how your doing so is truly beneficial. w17.09 8 ¶1; 9 ¶3

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Raids Target Dozens of Jehovah’s Families in Single Russian Region

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Raids Target Dozens of Jehovah’s Families in Single Russian Region

Russian authorities said they’ve carried out more than 100 raids in the homes of dozens of Jehovah’s Witnesses in a region that borders Ukraine.
They face up to 10 years in prison on charges of organizing an extremist community for holding religious meetings, preaching and recruiting new members between mid-2018 and early 2020.
Not wanting to be exposed by law enforcement, the suspects used measures of secrecy including storing electronic documentation and using video conferencing,” the regional Investigative Committee branch said.
“The security forces’ special operations are staggering in their cruelty,” the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia said Tuesday.

“Give us Courage”

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 “Give us Courage” – 2018 Be Courageous Regional Conventions


When the song “Give us Courage” was released at the 2018 Be Courageous Regional Conventions, an accompanying video depicted soldiers in full military gear closing in on entirely ordinary and manifestly harmless Jehovah’s Witnesses, who were doing no more than minding their own business. “How cult-like!” said the ridiculers. “What is it with these people and their “persecution complex?”
In fact, the video prefigures events that have come to pass, as absurdly unlikely as they might seem. After all, arresting entirely harmless people is crazy in itself. But what multiplies the craziness 100-fold is to arrest them in full military gear including assault rifles. Yet this is exactly what was done in the Voronezh Region of Russia on July 13, 2020, as 110 homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses were raided—a new record. Congregation members were forced to the ground with their faces pressed into the floor. At least two were beaten.
Many of these persons are elderly. They include women and children. There is no possibility of them offering resistance and everybody knows it. They are almost the only group whose entire history demonstrates that under no circumstances will they resort to violence. Yet they are arrested as you would terrorists.
Assuming that arrests are called for (a ridiculous assumption that we will let pass so as to pursue a greater point), why would arrests be made in such a brutal manner? Two reasons present themselves,
1) Outright hate.
2) Saving face.
If you declare people “extremists” and then arrest them as you would a jaywalker, you are only making yourself look a liar. You are only proving that they are not extremists at all, and that you well know it. Better to arrest them in military style. You may look unhinged in that event, but at least you appear to be acting in accord with your convictions, plus you are creating maximum terror against gentle people. It’s a little like beating up on girls—in a rapidly escalating game of hardball.
This calls to mind how Abraham Lincoln would say that he was not smart enough to lie—for if he did, he knew he would have to adjust every subsequent statement and action to accord with that first lie if he was to retain an ounce of credibility. Having swallowed the lie that Witnesses are extremists, Russian police forces now have to act as though they are.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses foresaw this. It is the most unlikely scenario in the world, and yet they foresaw it. Does this “prove” that Jehovah is with the Witness Governing Body—to transfer Brother Glock’s remarks to more readily adaptable content? Sometimes all you need do with a statement like that from Glock is to show a little flexibility. Like the boy that was spanked by his Dad and protested that he hadn’t committed the offense for which he was being punished. “Well—in that case, it’s for something that you did do for which you should have been punished but weren’t,” dear old dad said.
The world of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia is turned upside down. Even raids that do not result in their arrest result in the confiscation of belongings—typically including tablets and phones. Still, they take some satisfaction in knowing that their staying faithful under trial calls worldwide attention to the Christian course they pursue. Theirs is somewhat the response of Christians in the first century, who upon being released from punishment, “rejoiced that they had been counted worthy to be dishonored for the sake of his name.” (Acts 5:41)
I do not look forward to the experience, and living in the West as I do, it may not come. Human rights people carry much more popular sway in the West than they do in Russia, where the very concept is suspiciously regarded as a Western intrusion—so says Chivchalov. Even in Russia—“Look, the Devil will throw some of you into prison,” the apostle John warns—not all of you. Even Bart Ehrman apparently speaks for the academic communities when he states that Christian martyrs of the first century probably numbered in the hundreds—they did not include everyone.
But so often in life we cannot choose our “assignment.” The trick is to be like Paul, who knew how to live regardless of his circumstances. All reports are that the Russian brothers are facing their persecutors with enormous resolve, courage, and integrity. I pray that should it ever become my turn, I will just as readily follow their example.

2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Friday, July 17

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Friday, July 17

Those who [marry] will have tribulation in their flesh.​—1 Cor. 7:28.
An unfulfilled desire for children is in its own way a ‘tribulation in the flesh.’ (Prov. 13:12) In Bible times, barrenness often carried a stigma. Rachel, Jacob’s wife, expressed anguish at seeing her sister have children. (Gen. 30:1, 2) When referring to tribulations associated with marriage, there is one that may not readily come to mind. The death of a loved one. Yes, a distinct trial that many have faced is that of losing a beloved marriage mate in death. This is a trial that the survivor may not have expected to face in this system of things. Christians firmly believe Jesus’ promise of a coming resurrection. (John 5:28, 29) What does that prospect do for the surviving mate? It offers a considerable amount of comfort. This is another way that our loving Father, through his Word, offers support and comfort to those experiencing tribulation. w17.06 4 ¶1; 5 ¶6; 6 ¶9

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Thursday, July 16

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Thursday, July 16

You will find the knowledge of God.​—Prov. 2:5.
At times, very powerful forces have tried to keep the Bible from the common people. However, sincere individuals have stood up to such opposition. For example, consider a 14th-century theologian named John Wycliffe. He strongly believed that everyone should be able to benefit from God’s Word. But in his time, the common people in England had virtually no access to the Bible. In 1382, the English translation later known as the Wycliffe Bible was produced. Desiring to get God’s Word into the mind and heart of ordinary people, itinerant preachers, known as the Lollards, traveled on foot from village to village throughout England. Often the Lollards read portions of the Wycliffe Bible to those whom they met, and they left handwritten copies behind. In the centuries that followed, many in Europe and other parts of the world began to promote translation and distribution of the Bible for the benefit of the common people. w17.09 20-21 ¶10-12

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Wednesday, July 15

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2020 Examining the Scriptures Daily—Wednesday, July 15

Let the older women be reverent in behavior, . . . so that they may advise the younger women.​—Titus 2:3, 4.
Single sisters now have many opportunities to expand their ministry by pioneering, moving to where the need is greater, working with the Local Design/​Construction program, and applying for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. Some are even able to attend Gilead School. Older women, though unable to do many of those things, are also a blessing to the congregation. How we love these dear sisters! Some may not be able to do as much as they once did in God’s service, but they can still show courage and go to work. For example, an older sister needs courage if she is asked to talk to a younger sister about modest dress. She will not scold the sister about her choice of clothing, but she may be able to encourage the younger one to consider how her choice of clothing may affect others. (1 Tim. 2:9, 10) Such loving expressions of concern may have a positive effect. w17.09 31-32 ¶17-18

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2020 07 13-19 Digging for Spiritual Gems – Genesis 8-9

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2020 07 13-19 Digging for Spiritual Gems – Genesis 8-9

July 13-19
EXODUS 8-9
DIGGING FOR SPIRITUAL GEMS 

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