An Introduction to God’s Word

© 2015

WATCH TOWER BIBLE

AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA

PUBLISHERS

WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW

YORK, INC.

Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

February 2015 Printing

This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

An Introduction to God's

Word

English (igw-E)

Made in the United States of

America

This booklet belongs to

An Introduction to God’s Word

The Bible contains God’s message, or word, for us today.

It shows us how to live our lives successfully and how to gain God’s approval. It also answers the following questions:

HOW TO FIND BIBLE VERSES

The Bible is a collection of 66 smaller books. It is divided into two sections: the Hebrew-Aramaic Scriptures (“Old Testament”) and the Greek Scriptures (“New Testament”). Each Bible book is divided into chapters and verses. When scriptures are cited, the first number after the name of the book indicates the chapter, and the next number or numbers refer to the verse or verses. For example, Genesis 1:1 refers to Genesis chapter 1, verse 1.

Who is God?

“May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:18 [Page 819]

“Know that Jehovah is God. He is the one who made us, and we belong to him.”

Psalm 100:3 [Page 831]

“I am Jehovah. That is my name; I give my glory to no one else, nor my praise to graven images.”

Isaiah 42:8 [Page 993]

“Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 [Page 1518]

“Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but the one who constructed all things is God.”

Hebrews 3:4 [Page 1602]

“Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who brings out their army by number; he calls them all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring power,

not one of them is missing.” Isaiah 40:26 [Page 990]

How can you learn about God?

“This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely.”

Joshua 1:8 [Page 325]

“They continued reading aloud from the book, from the Law of the true God, clearly explaining it and putting meaning into it; so they helped the people to understand what was being read.”

Nehemiah 8:8 [Page 677]

“Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked .. ., but his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and he reads His law in an undertone day and night.... Everything he does will succeed.”

Psalm 1:1-3 [Page 753]

“Philip ran alongside and he heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: ‘Do you actually know what you are reading?’ He said: ‘Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me?’ ”

Acts 8:30, 31 [Page 1473]

“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, so that they are inexcusable.”

Romans 1:20 [Page 1507]

“Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, so that your advancement may be plainly seen by all people.” 1 Timothy 4:15 [Page 1590]

“Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together.” Hebrews 10:24, 25 [Page 1610]

“If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him.”

James 1:5 [Page 1616]

Who wrote the Bible?

“Moses wrote down all the words of Jehovah.”

Exodus 24:4 [Page 145]

“Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream;

he recorded a complete account of the matters.”

Daniel 7:1 [Page 1217]

“When you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 [Page 1581]

“All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching.”

2 Timothy 3:16 [Page 1595]

“Prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit.”

2 Peter 1:21 [Page 1627]

Is the Bible scientifically accurate?

“He stretches out the northern sky over empty space, suspending the earth upon nothing.”

Job 26:7 [Page 727]

“All the streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place from which the streams flow, there they return so as to flow again.”

Ecclesiastes 1:7 [Page 916]

“There is One who dwells above the circle of the earth.”

Isaiah 40:22 [Page 989]

What is the Bible’s message?

“I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.” Genesis 3:15 [Page 46]

“By means of your offspring all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for themselves because you have listened to my voice.”

Genesis 22:18 [Page 68]

“Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.”

Matthew 6:10 [Page 1312]

“For his part, the God who gives peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”

Romans 16:20 [Page 1524]

“When all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.”

1 Corinthians 15:28 [Page 1541]

“Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his offspring . .., who is Christ. Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abraham’s offspring.” Galatians 3:16, 29 [Pages 1559, 1560]

“The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.”

Revelation 11:15 [Page 1650]

“So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.”

Revelation 12:9 [Page 1650]

“He seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years.” Revelation 20:2 [Page 1658]

What did the Bible foretell about the Messiah?

FULFILLMENT

“Now when the soldiers had nailed Jesus to the stake, they took his outer garments and divided them into four parts . .. But the inner garment was without a seam, being woven from top to bottom. So they said to one another: ‘Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots over it to decide whose it will be.’”

John 19:23, 24 [Page 1455]

PROPHECY

FULFILLMENT

“He is guarding all his bones; not one of them has been broken.” Psalm 34:20 [Page 777]	“On coming to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs.” John 19:33 [Page 1456]
“He was pierced for our transgression.” Isaiah 53:5 [Page 1011]	“One of the soldiers jabbed his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John 19:34 [Page 1456]
“They paid my wages, 30 pieces of silver.” Zechariah 11:12, 13 [Page 1296]	“Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said: ‘What will you give me to betray him to you?’ They stipulated to him 30 silver pieces.” Matthew 26:14,15; 27:5 [Pages 1342, 1345]

What does the Bible foretell about our day?

“Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom ... All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.”

Matthew 24:7, 8 [Page 1338]

“Many false prophets will arise and mislead many;

and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold.”

Matthew 24:11, 12 [Page 1339]

“When you hear of wars and reports of wars, do not be alarmed; these things must take place, but the end is not yet.”

Mark 13:7 [Page 1369]

“There will be great earthquakes, and in one place after another food shortages and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and from heaven great signs.”

Luke 21:11 [Page 1416]

In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 [Page 1595]

Is God to blame for human suffering?

“It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!”

Job 34:10 [Page 736]

“When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’ For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.”

James 1:13 [Page 1616]

“Throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 [Page 1625]

“Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 [Page 1629]

Why do humans suffer?

“The swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all.” Ecclesiastes 9:11 [Page 924]

“Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned—.”

Romans 5:12 [Page 1512]

“For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil.”

1 John 3:8 [Page 1632]

“The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”

1 John 5:19 [Page 1635]

What does the Bible promise for the future?

“The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.”

Psalm 37:29 [Page 781]

“The earth remains forever.”

Ecclesiastes 1:4 [Page 915]

“He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Isaiah 25:8 [Page 968]

“At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. At that time the lame will leap like the deer, and the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert plain.” Isaiah 35:5, 6 [Page 982]

“He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 [Page 1659]

“They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full.”

Isaiah 65:21, 22 [Page 1027]

What happens when someone dies?

“His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; on that very day his thoughts perish.”

Psalm 146:4 [Page 869]

“The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all.. . Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going.”

Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 [Page 923]

“[Jesus] added: ‘Lazarus our friend has fallen asleep, but I am traveling there to awaken him.’ Jesus, however, had spoken about his death. But they imagined he was speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly: ‘Lazarus has died.’ ” John 11:11, 13, 14 [Pages 1442, 1443]

What hope can we have for the dead?

“Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”

John 5:28, 29 [Page 1432]

“There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Acts 24:15 [Page 1499]

“I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. The dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the Grave gave up the dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds.”

Revelation 20:12, 13 [Page 1659]

What does the Bible say about work?

“Have you seen a man skillful at his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before common men.” Proverbs 22:29 [Page 902]

“Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need.” Ephesians 4:28 [Page 1567]

and drink and find enjoyment for all his hard work. It is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13 [Page 918]

How can you manage your assets?

“The one who loves having a good time will come to poverty; the one who loves wine and oil will not grow rich.”

Proverbs 21:17 [Page 900]

“The borrower is a slave to the lender.”

Proverbs 22:7 [Page 901]

“Who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it, and all the onlookers would start to ridicule him, saying: ‘This man started to build but was not able to finish.’”

Luke 14:28-30 [Page 1406]

“When they had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples: ‘Gather together the fragments left over, so that nothing is wasted.’”

John 6:12 [Page 1433]

How can you find happiness?

“Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened bull where there is hatred.”

Proverbs 15:17 [Page 892]

“I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One guiding you in the way you should walk.”

Isaiah 48:17 [Page 1004]

“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” Matthew 5:3 [Page 1310]

“You must love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:39 [Page 1336]

“Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.”

Luke 6:31 [Page 1389]

“Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!”

Luke 11:28 [Page 1400]

“When a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.”

Luke 12:15 [Page 1402]

“So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things.”

1 Timothy 6:8 [Page 1591]

“There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” Acts 20:35 [Page 1493]

How can you cope with anxiety?

“Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall.” Psalm 55:22 [Page 795]

“The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, but all who are hasty surely head for poverty.”

Proverbs 21:5 [Page 899]

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.”

Isaiah 41:10 [Page 991]

“Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?”

Matthew 6:27 [Page 1313]

“So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.”

Matthew 6:34 [Page 1313]

“Make sure of the more important things.” Philippians 1:10 [Page 1571]

“Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, 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 by means of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6, 7 [Page 1574]

How can the Bible help your family?

HUSBANDS/FATHERS

“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cherishes it.. . Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself.”

Ephesians 5:28, 29, 33 [Page 1569]

“Fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.”

Ephesians 6:4 [Page 1569]

WIVES

“The wife should have deep respect for her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 [Page 1569]

“You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord.”

Colossians 3:18 [Page 1579]

CHILDREN

“Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous. ‘Honor your father and your mother’ is the first command with a promise: ‘That it may go well with you and you may remain a long time on the earth.’”

Ephesians 6:1-3 [Page 1569]

“You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” Colossians 3:20 [Page 1579]

How can you draw close to God?

“O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts will come.”

Psalm 65:2 [Page 800]

“Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5, 6 [Page 876]

“This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”

John 17:3 [Page 1451]

“In fact, [God] is not far off from each one of us.”

Acts 17:27 [Page 1488]

“This is what I continue praying, that your love may abound still more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment.”

Philippians 1:9 [Page 1571]

“If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him.”

James 1:5 [Page 1616]

“Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.”

James 4:8 [Page 1619]

“This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.”

1 John 5:3 [Page 1634]

What is contained in the various books of the Bible?

HEBREW SCRIPTURES ("OLD TESTAMENT”)

PENTATEUCH (5 BOOKS):

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

From creation to the founding of the ancient nation of Israel

HISTORICAL BOOKS (12 BOOKS):

Joshua, Judges, Ruth

Israel’s entry into the Promised Land and events thereafter

1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles

History of the nation of Israel down to the destruction of Jerusalem

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

History of the Jews after returning from exile in Babylon

POETIC BOOKS (5 BOOKS):

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Collections of wise sayings and songs

PROPHETIC BOOKS (17 BOOKS):

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Prophecies, or predictions, concerning God’s people

CHRISTIAN GREEK SCRIPTURES ("NEW TESTAMENT”)

THE FOUR GOSPELS (4 BOOKS):

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

History of Jesus’ life and ministry

ACTS OF APOSTLES (1 BOOK):

History of the start of the Christian congregation and missionary activity

LETTERS (21 BOOKS):

Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians,

Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Letters to various Christian congregations

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Letters to individual Christians

Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter,

1, 2, and 3 John, Jude

General letters to Christians

REVELATION (1 BOOK):

Series of prophetic visions given to the apostle John

How can you get the most out of your Bible reading?

ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS AS YOU READ YOUR BIBLE:

What does this tell me about Jehovah God?

How does this section of the Scriptures contribute to the Bible’s message?

How can I apply this in my life?

How can I use these verses to help others?

Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

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