Results 1 - 17 of 17
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Deafawake Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Micah being a prophet | Mic 1:1 | Deafawake | 139218 | ||
Writer of the Bible book bearing his name and a prophet of Jehovah during the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah (777-717 B.C.E.). Micah was a contemporary of the prophets Hosea and Isaiah. The exact duration of his prophetic activity is uncertain. His prophesying apparently closed by the end of Hezekiah’s reign, when the composition of the prophet’s book was completed.—Mic 1:1; Ho 1:1; Isa 1:1. Micah was a native of the village of Moresheth, SW of Jerusalem. (Jer 26:18) As a resident of the fertile Shephelah, the prophet was well acquainted with rural living, from which he was inspired to draw meaningful illustrations. (Mic 2:12; 4:12, 13; 7:1, 4, 14) Micah prophesied during very turbulent times when false worship and moral corruption flourished in Israel and Judah, also when King Hezekiah instituted religious reforms. (2Ki 15:32–20:21; 2Ch 27-32) With good reason, “the word of Jehovah that occurred to Micah” warned that God would make Samaria “a heap of ruins of the field,” and it was prophesied that “Zion will be plowed up as a mere field, and Jerusalem herself will become mere heaps of ruins.” (Mic 1:1, 6; 3:12) While the devastation of Judah and Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. occurred many years after Micah’s day, he probably lived to see the foretold destruction of Samaria in 740 B.C.E.—2Ki 25:1-21; 17:5, 6. To learn more about the Bible and prophets, copy and paste the following link: http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1999/7/15/article_02.htm |
||||||
2 | What does bible say about wasting food? | John 6:13 | Deafawake | 139217 | ||
Even normal human living produces wastes. For example, the growing, processing, and eating of food products often give rise to waste, though much of it may be biodegradable. (Psalm 1:4; Luke 3:17) The broiled-fish meal that the resurrected Jesus made for his disciples likely resulted in some smoke, ash, and refuse of fish bones. (John 21:9-13) But the animate and inanimate systems or cycles of the earth are designed to accommodate such. God’s people should not be oblivious of ecological matters. Jehovah required his ancient people to take steps to dispose of wastes, steps that had ecological as well as sanitary import. (Deuteronomy 23:9-14) And since we know his view of those who are ruining the earth, we certainly should not ignore things that we can do to keep the environment clean. We can reflect this in proper disposal of garbage or wastes, especially toxic substances. We conscientiously cooperate with recycling efforts, having added reason to do so if these are mandated by Caesar. (Romans 13:1, 5) And some individuals draw satisfaction from taking additional steps, such as choosing to use biodegradable products rather than ones that would add to the mountains of refuse on land and under the seas. The extent to which a Christian will go in this direction, however, is a personal matter unless required by law. It is plain from the news media that imperfect humans easily fall into the trap of being extremists. Jesus’ advice is certainly pertinent: “Stop judging that you may not be judged . . . Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1, 3) Keeping this in mind may help us not to lose sight of other vital factors. The prophet Jeremiah wrote: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Ignoring this principle has brought mankind face-to-face with “critical times hard to deal with,” as noted at 2 Timothy 3:1-5. And what God had recorded at Revelation 11:18 proves that human efforts to rid the earth of its major ecological problems, including pollution, will not fully succeed. There may be some progress here and there, but the only lasting solution requires God’s intervention. For this reason we concentrate our efforts and resources on the divine solution, rather than trying to relieve superficial symptoms. In this we follow the example of Jesus, who spent the greater part of his ministry ‘bearing witness to the truth.’ (John 18:37) Instead of feeding the world or relieving wide-scale social ills—including pollution—Jesus pointed to the complete solution to the problems afflicting humankind.—John 6:10-15; 18:36. While love for fellowmen moves us to avoid needlessly polluting the land, atmosphere, or water supplies, we continue to bear witness to the truth. This involves teaching people to apply Bible truth and so avoid ruining their bodies with smoke, excessive alcohol, or damaging drugs. As millions of new ones have become disciples, they have learned habits of cleanliness and consideration for others. So the preaching work has made a literal contribution to the lessening of the general problem of pollution today. But more important, Christian disciples strive to make over their personality and habits now so that they will fit into the clean Paradise earth that God will soon provide for his true worshipers. |
||||||
3 | Salvation/not knowing the msg. of Christ | 1 John 5:12 | Deafawake | 139216 | ||
When Jehovah’s Witnesses began to declare the Bible’s message of life to the people of Peru, the coastal and mountain people were easily reached. But how could the people in this jungle region be given the opportunity to hear the “good news”? The Solution Is Found Jehovah’s Witnesses, desirous of expanding their Christian disciple-making activity, were willing to accept the challenge that this hard-to-reach territory presented. They thought of the idea of building a houseboat that could travel on the rivers. They were encouraged by a spirited and zealous co-worker, Walter Akin, one of the first missionaries of Jehovah’s Witnesses to come to Peru (in the mid-1940’s). He helped to see the project through to its completion. What is ahead for our “missionary sailors”? The jungle, all around the Marañón River with its hundreds of tributaries and the tremendous expanse of the Amazon region, is out there waiting. We pray that this dauntless crew, with the blessing and protection of Jehovah, will be able to cover their assigned territory and help many people of the Peruvian jungle to have the opportunity to serve their Grand Creator, Jehovah. To learn of all the lands Jehovah's Witnesses do their preaching, copy and paste the following link: http://www.watchtower.org/languages/languages.htm |
||||||
4 | I directing a dram having a role of fath | Deut 22:5 | Deafawake | 139213 | ||
Those charged with oversight of a congregation are described in the Bible as being males. The 12 apostles of Jesus Christ were all males, and those later appointed to be overseers and ministerial servants in Christian congregations were males. (Matt. 10:1-4; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12) Women are counseled to “learn in silence with full submissiveness” at congregation meetings, in that they do not raise questions challenging the men in the congregation. The women are ‘not to speak’ at such meetings if what they might say would demonstrate lack of subjection. (1 Tim. 2:11, 12; 1 Cor. 14:33, 34) Thus, although women make valuable contributions to the activity of the congregation, there is no provision for them to preside, or to take the lead by instructing the congregation, when qualified men are present. But may women be preachers, proclaimers, ministers of the good news, outside the congregation meetings? At Pentecost of 33 C.E. holy spirit was poured out on both men and women. In explanation, the apostle Peter quoted Joel 2:28, 29, saying: “‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams; and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’” (Acts 2:17, 18) In like manner today, women properly share in the Christian ministry, preaching from house to house and conducting home Bible studies.—See also Psalm 68:11; Philippians 4:2, 3. To learn more, copy and paste the following link: http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1998/4/8/article_02.htm |
||||||
5 | is it ok to pray publically? | John 11:42 | Deafawake | 139212 | ||
The important thing in prayer is that you really believe that Jehovah is listening. Do you believe that Jehovah hears you? It is also important that you mean what you say to God. Do you really mean what you say in your prayers? What should you say in your prayers to Jehovah? Tell me: When you pray, what do you talk to God about? Jehovah gives us so many good things, and it is right to thank him for them, isn’t it? We thank him for the food we eat. But have you ever thanked him for the blue sky, the green trees and the pretty flowers? He made those too. He also made dogs that wag their tails, kittens that purr and beautiful birds that sing. There are so many things to thank him for! Jesus’ disciples once asked him to teach them how to pray. And the Great Teacher showed them what were the most important things to pray for. Do you know what these things are? Get your copy of the Bible and open it to Matthew chapter 6. In verses 9 through 13 we find what many persons call “the Lord’s prayer.” So we should believe that Jehovah hears our prayers and we should keep on asking him. Then God will answer our prayers. Jehovah likes to hear us pray to him. He is happy when we mean what we say in prayer and when we ask him for the right things. And he will give us these things. Do you believe that? To learn more on prayer and the appropriate way to pray, copy and paste the following link: http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1996/7/15/how_should_we_pray.htm |
||||||
6 | what is the summary of matthew? | Matt 1:1 | Deafawake | 139211 | ||
On Passover night, Jesus institutes the Memorial of his coming death (26:26-30) Betrayed and arrested, he is judged worthy of death by the Sanhedrin (26:46-66) He is examined by Pilate, then whipped, mocked, and impaled (27:2, 11-54) Jesus is buried; he is resurrected and appears to his followers; he commissions them to go and make disciples of people of all nations (27:57–28:20) |
||||||
7 | Was Vashti justified in refusing? | Esth 1:11 | Deafawake | 139210 | ||
The queen of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) the king of Persia. In the third year of his reign, Ahasuerus called in all the nobles, princes, and servants from the jurisdictional districts. At the end of the conference, he held a seven-day banquet. Similarly, Vashti held a banquet for the women at the royal house. On the seventh day, Ahasuerus ordered his court officials to bring in Vashti in royal headdress, that all might see her loveliness. (It seems that the queen would ordinarily eat meals at the king’s table, but history does not give proof of this as being the case at great banquets. Besides, at the time, Vashti was holding a banquet with the women.) For some unstated reason, Vashti persistently refused. Ahasuerus turned to his wise men who knew the law, and he was advised by Memucan, a prince, that it was not the king alone that Vashti had wronged but also all the princes and people in the jurisdictional districts. He said that when the princesses should hear what the queen had done (which news would quickly be spread in the castle), they would follow Vashti’s action as a precedent for contemptuous action on their own part. (Es 1:1-22) Vashti was deposed, and about four years later, Esther the Jewess was selected to become the wife of Ahasuerus and to take the royal office of Vashti.—Es 2:1-17. To get more questions answered, copy and paste the following link (www.watchtower.org) |
||||||
8 | Who are: Freeman, God Fearers, Proselyt? | Col 3:11 | Deafawake | 139207 | ||
During Roman rule, one who was emancipated from slavery was called a “freedman” (Gr., a·pe·leu´the·ros), whereas a “freeman” (Gr., e·leu´the·ros) was free from birth, possessing full citizenship rights, as did the apostle Paul.—Ac 22:28. Formal emancipation granted the freedman Roman citizenship, but such former slave was not eligible for political office, although his descendants were, in the second or at least the third generation. Informal emancipation, however, gave merely practical freedom to the individual, not civic rights.—See CITIZEN, CITIZENSHIP. Since the freedman was viewed as belonging to the family of his former master, a mutual obligation rested upon the two parties. The freedman either remained in the home and in the employ of his former master or received a farm and capital to get started in making his own living. The patron buried his freedman, when deceased, in the family tomb, took charge of any surviving minor children, and inherited the property if there were no heirs. On the other hand, if the patron suffered financial reverses, his freedman was required by law to care for him. But the rights of a former master in relation to his freedman could not be passed on to his heirs. It has been suggested that those who belonged to the “Synagogue of the Freedmen [literally, Libertines]” were Jews who had been taken captive by the Romans and then later were emancipated. Another view is that these persons were freed slaves who had become Jewish proselytes. The reading in the Armenian Version presents these persons as “Libyans,” that is, persons from Libya.—Ac 6:9. As indicated by the Scriptures, although a Christian may be a slave to an earthly master, he is actually Christ’s freedman, liberated from bondage to sin and death. But having been bought with a price, Jesus’ precious blood, a Christian who is a freeman in a physical sense is a slave of God and of Jesus Christ, obligated to obey their commands. This indicates that for humans freedom is always relative, never absolute. Therefore, from God’s viewpoint, in the Christian congregation there is no difference between slave and freeman. Moreover, the freedom possessed by a Christian does not entitle him to use this as a blind for badness.—1Co 7:22, 23; Ga 3:28; Heb 2:14, 15; 1Pe 1:18, 19; 2:16 To get more questions answered, copy and paste the following link www.watchtower.org |
||||||
9 | What tells scripture about hell? | Mark 9:45 | Deafawake | 139206 | ||
The word “hell” is found in many Bible translations. In the same verses other translations read “the grave,” “the world of the dead,” and so forth. Other Bibles simply transliterate the original-language words that are sometimes rendered “hell”; that is, they express them with the letters of our alphabet but leave the words untranslated. What are those words? The Hebrew she’ohl´ and its Greek equivalent hai´des, which refer, not to an individual burial place, but to the common grave of dead mankind; also the Greek ge´en·na, which is used as a symbol of eternal destruction. However, both in Christendom and in many non-Christian religions it is taught that hell is a place inhabited by demons and where the wicked, after death, are punished (and some believe that this is with torment). Does the Bible indicate whether the dead experience pain? Eccl. 9:5, 10: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all . . . All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol,* the place to which you are going.” (If they are conscious of nothing, they obviously feel no pain.) Ps. 146:4: “His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts* do perish.” Does the Bible say that the wicked go to hell? Ps. 9:17, KJ: “The wicked shall be turned into hell,* and all the nations that forget God.” (*“Hell,” 9:18 in Dy; “death,” TEV; “the place of death,” Kx; “Sheol,” AS, RS, NE, JB, NW.) Does the Bible also say that upright people go to hell? Job 14:13, Dy: “[Job prayed:] Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell,* and hide me till thy wrath pass, and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me?” (God himself said that Job was “a man blameless and upright, fearing God and turning aside from bad.”—Job 1:8.) Does anyone ever get out of the Bible hell? Rev. 20:13, 14, KJ: “The sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell* delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.” (So the dead will be delivered from hell. Notice also that hell is not the same as the lake of fire but will be cast into the lake of fire.) So Hell mean simply the grave not a burning place. To learn more on this subject, copy and paste the following link http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/7/15/article_02.htm |
||||||
10 | WHY STUDY ABOUT ANGELS, JUDGE OF ANGELS | Matt 13:41 | Deafawake | 139205 | ||
Since God created man “a little lower than angels” (Heb 2:7), it follows that angels have a greater mental capacity than man. They are superhuman in power too. “Bless Jehovah, O you angels of his, mighty in power, carrying out his word.” Angelic knowledge and power were displayed when two angels brought flaming destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah. A single angel killed 185,000 of the Assyrian army.—Ps 103:20; Ge 19:13, 24; 2Ki 19:35. Angels too can travel at tremendous speeds, far exceeding the limits of the physical world. Thus when Daniel was praying, God dispatched an angel to answer his prayer; and the angel arrived within moments, even before the prayer was concluded.—Da 9:20-23. But for all their higher mental and spiritual powers, angels have their limitations. They did not know the “day and hour” when this system of things would be swept away, Jesus said. (Mt 24:36) They take a keen interest in the outworking of Jehovah’s purposes, yet there are some things they do not understand. (1Pe 1:12) They rejoice at the repentance of a sinner, and they watch the “theatrical spectacle” furnished by Christians here on the world stage of public activity. They also observe the proper example of Christian women who wear a sign of authority upon their heads.—Lu 15:10; 1Co 4:9; 11:10; see IMMORTALITY (Kingdom Heirs Granted Immortality). As Jehovah’s ministers, the angels have enjoyed many privileges during the aeons of passing time. Angels ministered on behalf of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, Peter, Paul, and John, to mention but a few. (Ge 22:11; 31:11; Jos 5:14, 15; Isa 6:6, 7; Da 6:22; Zec 1:9; Ac 5:19, 20; 7:35; 12:7, 8; 27:23, 24; Re 1:1) Their messages contributed toward the writing of the Bible. In Revelation angels are mentioned far more times than in any other Bible book. Innumerable angels were seen around the great throne of Jehovah; seven blew the seven trumpets, while another seven poured out the seven bowls of God’s anger; an angel flying in midheaven had “everlasting good news”; but another proclaimed, “Babylon the Great has fallen.”—Re 5:11; 7:11; 8:6; 14:6, 8; 16:1. To learn more on this subject copy and paste the following link http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1995/11/1/the_truth_about_angels.htm |
||||||
11 | Presented before Him, complete in Him | Rom 8:11 | Deafawake | 139204 | ||
Try Acts 2:24, 1 Cor 6:14, Ephesians 2:5. These more accurately match. |
||||||
12 | Do retards go to Hell? | Bible general Archive 2 | Deafawake | 139203 | ||
MILLIONS of persons have been taught by their religions that hell is a place where people are tormented. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, “The Roman Catholic Church teaches that hell . . . will last forever; its suffering will have no end.” This Catholic teaching, the encyclopedia goes on to say, “is still held by many conservative Protestant groups.” Hindus, Buddhists and Muhammadans also teach that hell is a place of torment. No wonder that people who have been taught this often say that if hell is such a bad place they do not want to talk about it. 2 This raises the question: Did Almighty God create such a place of torment? Well, what was God’s view when the Israelites, following the example of peoples who lived nearby, began to burn their children in fire? He explains in his Word: “They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, in order to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, a thing that I had not commanded and that had not come up into my heart.”—Jeremiah 7:31. 3 Think about this. If the idea of roasting people in fire had never come into God’s heart, does it seem reasonable that he created a fiery hell for those who do not serve him? The Bible says, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Would a loving God really torment people forever? Would you do so? Knowing of God’s love should move us to turn to his Word to find out just what hell is. Who go there, and for how long? To learn more about this subject copy and paste the following link. Enjoy http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/7/15/article_02.htm |
||||||
13 | By_Laws written out! | Bible general Archive 2 | Deafawake | 139202 | ||
MUCH is involved in serving as an overseer in the Christian congregation. This fact is recognized by thousands of dedicated, spiritual men who are entrusted with this privilege today. Since all individuals in the congregation are Christian brothers and sisters, appointed elders know that their responsibility does not make them any better than other worshipers of Jehovah. (Matt. 23:8-12) Yet, in view of their responsibilities and the Scriptural requirements they must meet, more is expected of them. It is even as Jesus said: “Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him; and the one whom people put in charge of much, they will demand more than usual of him.” (Luke 12:48) “The flock” is greatly affected by what these undershepherds say and do. It is expected, therefore, that these men would set a fine example for others. 2 This matter of being a good example cannot be overemphasized. It is one of the direct points of counsel found in Paul’s first letter to the overseer Timothy. Paul did not take anything for granted, and he did not want Timothy to do so either. Because Timothy was still a young man, some might tend to look down on him. No doubt Paul had this in mind when he wrote: “Let no man ever look down on your youth. On the contrary, become an example to the faithful ones in speaking in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness. While I am coming, continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not be neglecting the gift in you that was given you through a prediction and when the body of older men laid their hands upon you.” (1 Tim. 4:12-14) There would be no legitimate reason for others to look down on Timothy if he continued to pursue an exemplary Christian course in life. 3 Like Timothy, overseers among Jehovah’s people today ought to examine their own life pattern. While our discussion especially concerns overseers, ministerial servants and men who are reaching out for greater congregational responsibility, all Christians should carefully consider what is involved in serving as an example to “the flock.” (2 Cor. 13:5) But now we ask: “Elders, are you really setting a fine example?” Your fellow believers look upon you while having in mind these words recorded at Hebrews 13:7: “Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith.” Yes, elders, your Christian associates want to prove faithful to Jehovah. To do this they need not only Scripturally based counsel and words of comfort but your encouraging example. They will imitate your faith as they observe your right conduct and the outcome to which it leads. |
||||||
14 | Does "oenus" mean wine or juice? | Matt 9:17 | Deafawake | 139200 | ||
There are a number of original-language terms that usually designate some kind of wine and its corresponding Aramaic term chamar But the Hebrew word ya´yin is found most frequently in the Scriptures. It first appears in Genesis 9:20-24, where the reference is to Noah’s planting a vineyard after the Flood and then becoming intoxicated on the wine therefrom. The Greek word oi´nos (basically corresponding to the Hebrew term yayin) first occurs in Jesus’ comments on the inadvisability of using old wineskins for new, partially fermented wine, as the pressure developed through fermentation would burst the old wineskins.—Mt 9:17; Mr 2:22; Lu 5:37, 38. Various strong alcoholic liquors, apparently derived from pomegranates, dates, figs, and the like, were usually designated by the Hebrew term she·khar. (Nu 28:7; De 14:26; Ps 69:12) The Hebrew word a·sis, at The Song of Solomon 8:2, refers to “the fresh juice” of pomegranates, but in other passages the context points to wine. (Isa 49:26; Joe 1:5) Beer may have been designated by the Hebrew word so´ve´.—Isa 1:22; Na 1:10. To get more questions answered copy and paste the following link www.watchtower.org |
||||||
15 | Who was Joseph's father? | Luke 3:23 | Deafawake | 139198 | ||
Son of a certain Jacob; adoptive father of Christ Jesus, husband of Mary, and later, the natural father of at least four sons, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, besides daughters. (Mt 1:16; 13:55, 56; Lu 4:22; Joh 1:45; 6:42) Joseph was also called the son of Heli (Lu 3:23), this evidently being the name of his father-in-law. Ever obedient to divine direction, righteous Joseph adhered closely to the Mosaic Law and submitted to the decrees of Caesar. A carpenter by trade and a resident of Nazareth, Joseph had rather limited financial resources. (Mt 13:55; Lu 2:4; compare Lu 2:24 with Le 12:8.) He was engaged to the virgin girl Mary (Lu 1:26, 27), but before they were united in marriage she became pregnant by holy spirit. Not wanting to make her a public spectacle, Joseph intended to divorce her secretly. (See DIVORCE.) However, upon receiving an explanation from Jehovah’s angel in a dream, Joseph took Mary to his home as his legal wife. Nevertheless, he refrained from having relations with her until after the birth of her miraculously begotten son.—Mt 1:18-21, 24, 25. To get more questions answered, copy and paste link below. http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/12/15/article_02.htm |
||||||
16 | what scriptures are on abstinence | 1 Cor 6:13 | Deafawake | 139197 | ||
Immediately after stating “it is well for a man not to touch a woman,” Paul added: “Yet, because of prevalence of fornication, let each man have his own wife and each woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:1, 2) After advising unmarried persons and widows to “remain even as I am,” he was quick to add: “But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to be inflamed with passion.” (1 Corinthians 7:8, 9) Again, his counsel to widowers was: “Stop seeking a wife. But even if you did marry, you would commit no sin.” (1 Corinthians 7:27, 28) This balanced counsel reflects freedom of choice. 9 Paul showed that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God. “I wish all men were as I myself am. Nevertheless, each one has his own gift from God, one in this way, another in that way.” (1 Corinthians 7:7) He doubtless had in mind what Jesus said. After establishing that marriage came from God, Jesus showed that willing singleness for the sake of serving Kingdom interests is a particular gift: “Not all men make room for the saying, but only those who have the gift. For there are eunuchs that were born such from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs that were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs that have made themselves eunuchs on account of the kingdom of the heavens. Let him that can make room for it make room for it.”—Matthew 19:4-6, 11, 12. For more information please copy and paste the following link. www.watchtower.org |
||||||
17 | Pre-marital sex | 1 Cor 6:13 | Deafawake | 139196 | ||
When God performed the first human marriage he said: “That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.” (Ge 2:24) Here the standard set for man and woman was monogamy, and promiscuous sex relationship was ruled out. Also, no divorce and remarriage to another was anticipated. Jesus Christ restored God’s original standard of monogamy (Mt 5:32; 19:9) and showed the wickedness of fornication by classing it with murder, thievery, wicked reasoning, false testimony, and blasphemy. He pointed out that these come from within a man, from his heart, and defile him. (Mt 15:19, 20; Mr 7:21-23) The apostle Paul points out that fornication is one of the works of the flesh, the opposite of the fruitage of the spirit of God, and warns that the practice of fleshly works will prevent an individual from inheriting the Kingdom. (Gal 5:19-21) He counsels that the Christian should deaden his body “as respects fornication.” (Col 3:5) In fact, he warns that it should not even be a topic of conversation among Christians, who should be holy Fornication is an offense for which an individual may be expelled (disfellowshipped) from the Christian congregation. (1Co 5:9-13; Heb 12:15, 16) The apostle explains that a Christian committing fornication sins against his own body, using reproductive members for a perverted purpose. He is greatly affected spiritually in an adverse way, brings defilement into God’s congregation, and lays himself open to the danger of deadly sexually transmitted diseases. (1Co 6:18, 19) He encroaches on the rights of his Christian brothers (1Th 4:3-7) by (1) bringing uncleanness and disgraceful folly, with reproach, into the congregation (Heb 12:15, 16), (2) depriving the one with whom he commits fornication of a clean moral standing and, if that one is single, of being clean when entering into marriage, (3) depriving his own family of a clean moral record, as well as (4) wronging the parents, husband, or fiancé of the one with whom he commits fornication. He disregards, not man, whose laws may or may not condone fornication, but God, who will exact punishment for his sin.—1Th 4:8. To learn more of this topic or get more bible questions answered visit the following website. http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/2/1/article_02.htm |
||||||