THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE

14. Why has God an organization?

Why did God organize the ancient nation of Israel? God organized Abraham's descendants as a nation and gave them a body of law. He called that nation Israel and made it the repository of true worship and of his word. (Psalm 147:19, 20) This opened the way for persons of all nations to receive blessings through Israel.Genesis 22:18. God chose the Israelites to be his witnesses. Their ancient history demonstrates how obedience to God's laws is beneficial. (Deuteronomy 4:6) Thanks to the Israelites, others could know the true God.Isaiah 43:10-12. Why are true Christians organized? With time Israel lost the favor of Jehovah God, which arrange for the Christian congregation to replace it. (Matthew 21:43; 23:37, 38) Today, instead of the Israelites, true Christians act as Jehovah's witnesses.Acts 15:14; 15:17. Jesus organized his followers to preach and make disciples in all nations. (Matthew 10:7; 10:11; 24:14; 28:19, 20) This work is rising to a peak now, in the final part of the present system of things. For the first time in history, Jehovah has gathered millions of people from all nations to worship in a way that pleases him. (Revelation 7:9, 10) True Christians are organized to support and encourage one another. Worldwide, at their meetings they enjoy a similar program of Bible education.Hebrews 10:24, 25. How did the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses in modern times come about? In about 1870 a small group that was studying the Bible, began to rediscover the longhidden Bible truths. Realizing that Jesus had organized the Christian congregation in relation to the preaching work, they began an international Kingdom-preaching campaign. In 1931 they adopted the name Jehovah's Witnesses.Acts 1:8; 2:1; 2:4; 5:42. How are the Jehovah's Witnesses organized? In many countries, first-century Christian congregations benefited from the direction of a central governing body, acknowledging Jesus as Head of the congregation. (Acts 16:4, 5) Similarly, Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, benefits from the direction of a Governing Body comprised of experienced elders, which supervises the activities of the branch offices of Jehovah's Witnesses. These branches, translating, printing and distributing Bible-based study aids in over 600 languages. Thus the Governing Body, provides Scriptural encouragement and instruction to over 100,000 congregations worldwide. In each qualified men serve as elders or spiritual shepherds. Such men lovingly care for the flock of God.1 Peter 5:2, 3. Jehovah's Witnesses are organized to preach the good news and making disciples. Like the apostles, they preach from house to house. (Acts 20:20) They also offer to study the Bible with whom sincerely love the truth. But the Jehovah's Witnesses are not only an organization. They are a family with a

loving Father. Brothers and sisters who care for one another. (2 Thessalonians 1:3) Since Jehovah's servants are organized to please him and helping others, they are the happiest family.Psalm 33:12; Acts 20:35. For more information, see chapter 19 of this book, What Does the Bible Really Teach?, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.