DAILY TEXT, From today Tuesday May 16, 2023,  Not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 7:21).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Tuesday May 16

Not everyone who calls me "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 7:21).

Today, we follow the pattern of the first-century Christian congregation. For example, our organizational structure—including traveling overseers, elders, and ministerial servants—mimics the pattern established by the apostles in the first century (Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5). And the same is true of our views on sex and marriage, our respect for the sanctity of blood, and our desire to protect the congregation from those who commit serious unrepentant sins (Acts 15:28, 29; 1 Cor. 5:11-13; 6:9, 10; Heb. 13:4). The Bible makes it clear that there is “one faith” that has God's approval (Eph. 4:4-6). Being part of God's people and knowing the truth about Jehovah and his purposes is undoubtedly a great privilege. Therefore, let us continue to hold on to the truth with strong conviction. w21.10 42:15-17.

How did first-century Christians show their love for the truth?

Jesus loved the truth, that is, the truth about God and his purposes. He lived in harmony with it and made it known to others (John 18:37). The true followers of Jesus also had a deep love for her (John 4:23, 24). In fact, the apostle Peter called Christianity the “way of truth” (2 Pet. 2:2). First-century Christians loved the truth very much, and therefore rejected religious ideas, cultural traditions, and personal opinions that went against it (Col. 2:8). In the same way, true Christians today strive to keep “walking in the truth” (3 John 3, 4). How? Making sure that all your beliefs and your way of living are in accordance with the Word of Jehovah.

What do the brothers who are leading the work do when they realize that we need to make some adjustment, and why do they do it?

Jehovah's Witnesses do not claim to have an absolutely perfect knowledge of the Bible. Sometimes they have made mistakes in their way of explaining a Bible teaching or organizing the congregation. But this should not surprise us, since the Scriptures make it clear that God's people would understand the truth better and better as time went by (Col. 1:9, 10). Jehovah is revealing the truth little by little, so we must be willing to wait patiently for the light of truth to grow brighter (Prov. 4:18). When the brothers who direct the work realize that we need to make some adjustment in our way of understanding or doing something, they do not hesitate to change what is necessary. Many churches in Christendom make changes to please their parishioners or to win the sympathy of the world. But Jehovah's Witnesses make changes to draw closer to God and to worship Him as Jesus taught (James 4:4). When we make a change, it is not because we want to conform to current ideas or opinions, but because we have come to better understand what the Bible says. We love the truth (1 Thess. 2:3, 4).

What is the most important quality of true Christians, and how do Jehovah's Witnesses display it today?

First-century Christians were known for many qualities, but the most important was love. Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35). Today, Jehovah's Witnesses enjoy love and unity throughout the world. Unlike other religions, we form a true family that overcomes all social, racial and national barriers. And we see that love in action in our meetings and assemblies. This makes us even more convinced that we are the only ones who worship Jehovah as he wishes.

According to Colossians 3:12-14, what is an important way to show intense love for one another?

The Bible says: “Have intense love for one another” (1 Pet. 4:8). One way to show that love is by forgiving and putting up with one another for our imperfections. We also look for opportunities to be generous and hospitable to all our brothers and sisters, even to those who may have offended us (read Colossians 3:12-14). Without a doubt, this love is the greatest proof that we are true Christians.

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