1 John 2:27 - Anointing

 The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you. -- 1 John 2:27

THE blessing and power of Jehovah accompanied David's anointing in some manner -- just how we may not understand -- enabling him to progress in knowledge, etc., and fitting and preparing him for the duties of the office to which he had been anointed. May we not consider as an antitype to this, the anointing which comes upon the church from the time of her acceptance with Jehovah? Ours is not a physical anointing, nor are the blessings conferred of a temporal character: it is as New Creatures that we grow in grace and knowledge and love; and as New Creatures that, by and by, we shall be perfected in the First Resurrection and come to the throne with our Lord and Master as our Head. Z.'03-223 R3227:4 (Edited to present God's Holy Name as "Jehovah").

Malachi 3:17 - Jehovah Makes Up His Treasure

Malachi 3:17 - And they shall be Mine, says Jehovah of Hosts, for the day that I will make up My treasure. And I will pity them as a man has pity on his son who serves him. -- Green's Literal.

HAD Jehovah sent us forth to seek Jesus' bride, we might have gathered in some whom he rejects as unworthy -- because we are unable to read the heart. This thought should make us very humble, gentle and meek toward all, and very trustful of Jehovah, and very much inclined to look for his leading in respect to our labors as his servants, just as Samuel looked to Jehovah in connection with the anointing of David. -- Based on excerpt from the article, "The Lord Looketh on the Heart", Watch Tower, July 15, 1903.

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The Hebrew word rendered as "treasure" above is a form Strong's Hebrew #5459, which is often transliterated as segullah. Brown-Driver-Briggs give this word the meaning of "valued property", "peculiar treasure". In our text above it is singular, but in the next sentence, the Hebrew text refers to this singular "treasure" by using a plural form which rendered above as "them". Thus, while viewed as a singular treasure, that singular treasure is made up of many individuals.

We know that the nation of Israel is often referred to as God's "holy/peculiar people". Likewise, those who belong to Christ in this age are also designated as God's "holy/peculiar people". In our text, however, Jehovah appears to be referring to the result of the work being done in the present age. As applied to the church, it would be the time when "we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 13, World English) This work is done by God in us, for as the apostle stated: "I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase." -- 1 Corinthians 3:6. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.



References:

Bible Hub's Hebrew Analysis of Malachi 3:17
Commentaries on Malachi 3:17

1 Thessalonians 5:15 - Render Good for Evil (Working on)

 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among  yourselves, and to all men. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

ACCORDING to the Scriptural standard, the elect church of Christ should be the most polished, the most refined, the most polite, the most generous, the most kind of all the people in the world;--and should be all these in the most absolute sense; not in the mere sense of an outward form and appearance of kindness, gentleness, etc., so common in the world; but a gentleness, a kindness, proceeding from the heart, proceeding from an appreciation of the Lord's spirit and the spirit of the Truth, the spirit of love, and the spirit of justice, also. Z.'01-297 R2879:3

1 Corinthians 4:7 - ( Working on)

 Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? 1 Corinthians 4:7

ALL of the Lord's consecrated people should realize that they have come into the present grace and truth, not by their own wisdom nor by the wisdom of others, but through the wisdom and grace of the Lord. The same thought should be entertained by all who serve the Church of God as ministers, servants in any department, in any manner responsible to the Lord for their position in the household of faith, and their opportunities to serve as the Lord's mouthpieces should be felt and confessed. But failure to confess it implies a failure rightly to appreciate it. Z.'03-430 R3278:2

Romans 15:3 - Reproaches of Christ

 The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me. Romans 15:3

LET us see to it that we bear the reproaches of Christ as He bore them,--with pity and prayer for the erring and depraved, if perchance God may grant them repentance; and with humble fortitude esteeming it a privilege to prove our devotion to the Lord by enduring hardness in His service as good soldiers. He was not surprised by the exhibitions of human depravity: He knew that He was in an unfriendly world bound by sin and largely under the dominion of the prince of darkness, and therefore He expected reproaches, taunts and persecutions, all of which He endured patiently while His great loving heart, almost unmindful of its own sufferings, was full of pity and loving concern for others. Z.'96-83 R1964:5

Psalm 27:14 - Wait for Jehovah

Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah. - Psalm 27:14, American Standard Version

TIME is an important element in all God's plans: we are not, therefore, to be disappointed when the test of endurance is applied while the blessings we crave tarry long. God took time to frame the world and to fit it for human habitation; time to give the world its necessary experience with evil; time to prepare for the advent of Christ as the world's Redeemer; time for the preparation of the Church to share in His glorious reign; and time must be allowed for the shaping and adjusting of the individual affairs of His people. God has not forgotten when the answers to our prayers seem to tarry long. He who heeds the sparrow's fall and numbers the very hairs of our heads is not indifferent to the faintest call or the smallest necessity of His humblest child. -- Excerpt from "The Ministry of Evil", Watch Tower, January 15, 1895.

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Our flesh usually wants everything done as quickly as possible. With prayer, however, we should always be mindful of God's ways, and how he works with us in his own time and way. Nevertheless, sometimes what we pray for may not be in our best interests, or may not be in harmony with God's will. We should not, therefore, be demanding of God, but always remember when requesting something, to add to that request, "if it be thy will". We should not endeavor to manipulate Jehovah into doing what we desire. And like Jesus, we should pray, "Not my will, but thine be done." Then, we should wait for Jehovah to perform his will in our life in his own way and his own time. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

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Experiences that may seem tumultuous at times are running in perfect order from Jehovah’s perspective, much like the spinning wheels seen by Ezekiel in his vision. Notice that in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 Solomon uses “times” to describe a series of life’s events. This is not to be confused with prophetic “times,” but used as a circumstance in one’s life. Such is the transient and changeable nature of life on earth. In faith, however, we realize that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28 NASB). God will accomplish his purpose for us if we wait patiently on His timing. “These wait all for thee, that thou mayest give them their food in due season” (Psalms 104:27). -- Keith Belheumer. "Observations About Life", The Herald of Christ's Kingdom.

Related Scriptures:

Psalm 25:3

Psalm 25:5

Psalm 25:21

Psalm 33:20

Psalm 37:7

Psalm 39:7

Psalm 40:1

Psalm 62:1,2

Psalm 62:5

Psalm 60:3

Psalm 123:2

Psalm 130:5,6

Isaiah 40:31

Isaiah 64:4

Jeremiah 14:22

Daniel 12:12

Hosea 12:6

Micah 7:7

Galatians 5:5

Related:

Wait, O Thou Weary One (Poem)

Quietly Waiting on the Lord

Quietly Waiting on the Lord

A Little While (Hymn)

Wait Upon the Lord (Hymn)

A Brighter Day (Hymn)

Our Grateful Song (Hymn)

1 Thessalonians 5:17 -- Pray Without Ceasing

1 Corinthians 6:19,20 - Glorify God in Your Body

Psalm 119:36 - Incline My Heart

Galatians 2:4 - Christian Liberty and Sectarian Bondage

Numbers 20:7 -- Jehovah's Reproval of Moses.

Proverbs 25:8 - Rulership Over One's Spirit

Joshua 24:15 - We Will Serve Jehovah

{Joshua 24:15} If it seems evil to you to serve Jehovah, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah. -- RLIV.

LET others reverence whom and what they will; we, who have tasted that Jehovah is gracious, we, who have come to know Him through the power of the spirit by which we are begotten again to newness of life--we can do naught else than reverence our God; and reverencing Him we must trust Him implicitly; and trusting Him implicitly we will gladly walk in whatever way He may mark out for us; and thus trusting and thus walking we are content, whatever lot we see, since 'tis His hand that leads us. And let us be assured that, following the true Shepherd after this manner, we shall ultimately reach the heavenly fold. In these assurances we have joy and peace and blessing of heart, even in the house of our pilgrimage, before we reach the heavenly city. -- Based on excerpt from "Quarterly Review", ZWT, 09/01/1901.

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Today, the idol gods of ancient Egypt may not have much appeal, but there are figurative idols that the world esteems very highly, which many place above God in their lives. Strictly, idolatry refers to the worship of images made by the hands of man. In the broader sense, idolatry can include anything that takes precedence over our lives that is placed above the worship of Jehovah, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus. In other words, it is the worship of the creation rather than the Creator. Sadly, many claim to worship God, but have others things in their heart that they love more than God. The heart is easily deceived along this line, and each should do a self-examination of all motives, desires, etc., closely to either avoid an form of idolatry. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

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Having knowledge of God and Jesus presents a choice; we can either worship the God of Jesus, or we can continue in the pursuits of the idols that prevail in the world. Those who consecrate their lives make a choice as did Joshua to serve Jehovah, and all the things of the world are brought into subjection to that service. Satan will, however,  always be looking for some way to tempt our desires away from that service, and thus, through faith, we need to always be on guard. We are promised that if we resist Satan, he will flee from us. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

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Jesus is the only way that we have access to our Heavenly Father, Jehovah. Thus, we should certainly love the one whom Jehovah sent, but even here our love for Jesus should not be greater than our love for Jesus' God, Jehovah. Nevertheless, we should love Jesus more than anything that exists in the world that is corrupted due to Adam's sin. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.

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Related Scriptures: Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:5; 11:13,22; 13:3; 19:9; Joshua 24:16-18; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Kings 18:21; Ezekiel 20:39; Matthew 19:16-22; 22:27; 26:33,35; Mark 12:30,33; Luke 16:13; 20:27; John 6:67-69; 21:15; Romans 1:25; 6:16; James 1:27; 4:7; 1 John 5:3. . 

Psalm 31:15 - Our Times in God's Hand

Matthew 10:8 - Freely Giving

Proverbs 16:5 - Proud in Heart

1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ - Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption

But out of him, you are united in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption. -- 1 Corinthians 1:30, RLIV.

HE who redeemed us, or bought us with the sacrifice of His own life, gives us, as our Prophet or Teacher, wisdom by His Gospel, to see our fallen state and Himself as our helper; as our Priest, He first justifies us and then sanctifies or consecrates us, as His under priesthood; and finally, as King, He will fully deliver the faithful from the dominion of sin and death, to the glory, honor and immortality of the divine nature; -- for "God will raise up [from the dead] us also, by Jesus." "Hallelujah! What a Savior!" Truly He is able and willing to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.-- Excerpt from "Hallelujah! What a Savior", ZWT, December 1, 1903. 

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We should first note that verse 30 is a continuation of verse 29, and thus begins by referring back to "God" of verse 29. All is from God through Christ (1 Corinthians 8:6), and God unites his people in Christ. This refers to a fellowship with Christ and all who belong to Christ. Sadly, many who belong to Christ adopt the childish attitude of seeking to separate themselves from other Christians over this or that viewpoint regarding various scriptures. This comes by believing that one's viewpoint is true and that all others have to accept that viewpoint in order to be accepted in fellowship. The apostle Paul called such carnal thinking and those Christians who think this way as babes in Christ. Nevertheless, the unity of the Lord's people from his standpoint is greater than all of our petty differences and viewpoints. -- RRD.

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The union of God's people is not that of being united with this or that external denomination, organization, movement, sect, association, etc. Many profess to belong to Christ who do not actually belong to Christ. Jesus spoke of this mixed condition within the church in his parable of the wheat and the tares. (Matthew 13:24-23) It is God, however, who does the calling, and we do not call ourselves. Some have sought to separate the wheat from the tares along carnal, fleshly lines, but Jesus told us that tares are to be separated from the wheat, not by humans, but by angels. Nevertheless, Jesus knows those who are truly his (John 10:25-29), irrespective of any sectarian or denominational ties. -- RRD.

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God has made Jesus to be wisdom to us. Jesus came to declare his God to us (John 1:18; 1 John 5:20), and he came to declare the words of wisdom from his God. Thus Jesus said that the words he spoke were not his own, but those of his Father who had sent him. (John 7:16; 8:28,40; 12:49; 14:10,24) We have those words of wisdom, not only in the Gospels, but also in the entire New Testament, since that which has been revealed through Jesus' apostles is also from Jesus, who, in turn, delivered the words of wisdom from God. (1 Corinthians 2:6,7,13) James refers to this wisdom as being from above. -- James 3:17.

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God has made Jesus to be our righteousness. God sent Jesus to die for our sins. What crooked man could not do (Ecclesiastes 1:15; 7:13), God did by providing a body for his Son that is not sinful (Hebrews 10:5), not condemned in Adam's sin. (Romans 5:12-19) By his faithfulness until death, Jesus' sacrificial death offset what Adam did, thus providing the basis for righteousness apart from the Law. -- Romans 3:21; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Philippians 2:8; 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:5,6.

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God has made Jesus to be our sanctification. Because God sent Jesus as his Anointed One (Christ, Messiah), and Jesus proved himself faithful to death and thus died for our sins, Jesus is the only way that we can be reconciled to God. Such reconciliation results in our being sanctified, consecrated, dedicated, and thus set apart in the midst of a world that is alienated from God due to sin. As new creatures in Christ, we are no longer of this world that is corrupted through sin.

More to follow, God willing.

* Exodus 33:14 - Jehovah's Presence With His People

1 Chronicles 29:17 - Offer Willingly

 Offer Willingly

I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, that are present here, offer willingly to you. -- 1 Chronicles 29:17, World English.

* Luke 14:27 - Bearing One's Own Cross

Whoever does not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. -- Luke 14:27.

1 John 4:18 - No Fear in Love

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts off fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. -- John 4:18, Restoration Light Improved Version.

* Psalm 66:9 -- He Keeps Our Soul

Kneel before our God, you peoples! Make the sound of his praise heard, who keeps our soul among the living, and does not permit our feet to be moved. -- Psalm 66:8,9, RLIV.

Romans 10:9 - Jesus is Lord

If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. -- Romans 10:9, RLIV.

Psalm 103:2 - Do Not Forget His Benefits

Praise Jehovah, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits. -- Psalm 103:2, RLIV.

05-17 - John 16:2 - Persecution for Christ's Sake

DAILY HEAVENLY MANNA for MAY 17

(Holy Name Edition)

They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time will come that any who kills you will think that he is doing a service to God. -- John 16:2, RLIV.

05-16 -- Isaiah 62:2,3 - The Nations Will See Your Righteousness

DAILY HEAVENLY MANNA - May 16

(Holy Name Edition)

The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory, and you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah will name. You will also be a crown of glory in the hand of Jehovah, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. -- Isaiah 62:2,3, RLIV.

05-15 -- Habakkuk 3:17,18 - Rejoicing in Jehovah Amidst Adversity

DAILY HEAVENLY MANNA - May 15
(Holy Name Edition)

Habakkuk 3:17 - For though the fig tree doesn't flourish, Nor fruit be in the vines; The labor of the olive fails, The fields yield no food; The flocks are cut off from the fold, And there is no herd in the stalls:
Habakkuk 3:18 - Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

-- World English, with the Holy Name presented as "Jehovah".

WE see that God permits evil in the world so that the world may learn certain lessons of bitter experience as to the natural rewards of evil doing, but we see also a ministry of evil in respect to the saints -- in their testing and polishing and refining; making them ready, and proving them worthy, as overcomers, to inherit the wonderful things which God has in reservation for the faithful. -- Adapted from excerpt from "Able to Comprehned With All The Saints" ZWT, March 15, 1903; R3168:2.

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The fig tree in our text may figuratively be referring to promises given, such promises as those in Genesis 3:15 and Genesis 18:18; 22:18; 26:24, etc. Many do not look for all nations to be blessed, or they have come to believe that only a few people of the nations who accept Christ in this age are blessed. The reality is that the nations still have not been blessed as promised. To many, it seems hopeless to look for such a blessing, but to those who belong to Christ and are enlightened concerning God's plan, the promise brings rejoicing and a joyful heart, since they understand why there is a delay and that the blessing of all people is yet to come.

We should not, however, overlook the more practical application of the verses of our text. If you are a farmer, you may know how disheartening it can be to see your crops destroyed or non-productive. The experience could leave one devastated, but for one who has Jehovah as his God, that person will not give up but continue rejoicing in Jehovah.

Likewise, with all who belong to Christ. Life's experiences can be challenging, and many times our faith is tried by "adverse" ordeals. Our plans in this world may not materialize, and bring us disappointment. It may seem that all our efforts to help others understand what we know of God and Jesus are fruitless. We should constantly go to the Heavenly Father in prayer, and look to his holy spirit to help us and sustain us. We should continue, however, to have faith in our Heavenly Father, knowing that we can firmly trust Him, come what may!

Ronald R. Day, Sr. (ResLigh0

"YET WILL I REJOICE IN JEHOVAH"

THOUGH the fig tree shall not blossom,

Though no fruit be in the vines,

Though the fields shall yield no fruitage,

Of the herd there be no signs— 

Yet I'll joy in God's salvation,

As my faith in Him reclines.

While the nations reel and stagger,

And the Dove of Peace has fled,

While the land and sea are groaning

'Neath the burden of their dead— 

Yet, amid the awful tumult,

I rejoice and lift my head!

Though the vision seem to tarry,

And the waiting time prolong,

Though my faith be sorely tested

In the conflict fierce and strong,

Yet His grace will be sufficient,

And the burden of my song!

Though He slay me, I will trust Him,

Though my very heart He break,

For I know with loving wisdom

He has planned the way I take— ​

Thus my dying breath shall bless Him,

And I'll praise Him when I wake!

04-04 - Romans 13:13 - Let Us Walk Honestly

Romans 13:13 - Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. -- King James Version.

Romans 13: 13 - Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. -- American Standard Version.

The Greek word translated as "honestly" in the King James version is transliterated as euschēmonōs. This is Strong's Greek #2156. Some translations render this word as "becomingly", "decorously", or "decently", or somthing similar.  According to HELPS Word-Studies, this word is from Strong's #2158, "eusxēmōn, which is literally 'having good form'... i.e. what is respectable, honorable (modest, noble). The precise nuance of having 'good form' is only determined by the context". 

Paul is obviously referring to the Christian's conduct, which would certainly include honesty. But it includes more than just honesty, as reflected by the context. We are to walk as in the day. The "day" could be referring to the coming day, the age to come, as spoken of in Hebrews 6:4,5. The new creature in Christ is counted as already in that time of the new heavens and new earth, as though the present heavens and earth had already passed away. (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5) Thus, the righteousness of that age should be seen in the conduct of the child of God in this age. 

2 Timothy 2:3 - Enduring as a Soldier of Christ

2 Timothy 2:3 - You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. -- World English

Every Christian as a soldier of Jesus is in a war. His warfare is, however, spiritual, not with physical weapons often associated with being a soldier. A good soldier obeys his commanding officer. Unlike the hatred that often prevails with soldiers fighting carnal battles, Jesus tells his soldiers to love their human enemies in this world, and to do good to those who hate them.

The Christian has several things he must battle: 1) sin and evil in his own flesh, 2) allurements of the world to sin and evil, and (3) the deceptive attacks of Satan and his demons that would lead us away from what is right to what is sinful and evil in God's sight. The common element in all three is sin and evil. What the world considers to be good, may, in fact, be evil from God's standpoint, so the good soldier of Christ should endeavor to come to know what is evil according to God's standards, not by the world's standards.

As a soldier in an army of the world must believe and have faith in the cause for which he is fighting, so the soldier of Jesus must be convinced in his own heart of the righteousness of his cause. This involves the heart loyalty of the Christian soldier in submission to Jesus and his God. 

One of the commands of our commanding officer is to let our light shine in the world and to preach the Gospel, the Good News, to others. To let our light shine does not mean to flaunt what we might deem to our own righteous acts before others, or to condemn others, but rather to simply and humble be obedient to Jesus' commands as we are able, so that others may see our faith and love for what is right in Christ. The goal is let Christ be seen in us, not that others may see our own righteousness. To preach the Good News is to present the truth from the Bible about Christ to the best of our ability and knowledge.

We are assured, however, that obedience to Christ will bring persecution. Thus, the need for endurance while facing the opposition of a world that does not love or care for God's righteousness. -- Ronald R. Day

Some Related scriptures: Isaiah 5:20; Mathew 5:44; Matthew 26:4; Luke 6:27; Luke 6:35; John 12:25; John 15:19;  Romans 7:14-25; Romans 8:12,13; Romans 12:17; Romans 13:14; Ephesians 6:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9; James 4:7, and many more. List other scriptures or present comments below.

Alternate:

Being a soldier of Christ means have heart loyalty to Jesus, but if our heart is actually in submission to someone else other than Jesus and his God, we fall short of true obedience to the one whom we profess as our "commanding officer." There have been and still are many who would seek to bind us to themselves, or to some man, or group of man, other than Jesus and his apostles, so as to claim all must be obedient to and/or in agreement with what such men may say. Some even make such an agreement as a basis for salvation. I do not believe that our Lord Jesus approves of such a bondage to leaders.

Related:

Soldiers of Jesus Christ

Psalm 37:4 - Delight in Jehovah

Psalms 37:4 - And delight yourself in Jehovah, that He may give you your heart's desire.

-- Green's Literal.

Psalms 40:8 - I delight to do Your will, O My God; and Your Law is within My inmost soul.

John 5:30 - I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don't seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

John 6:40 - This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

To delight in Jehovah means to have a will of heart that conforms to His will in our life. Thus our heart's desire, our ambitions, is to do His will. His eternal law written in our hearts is not an outward obedience to the letter of the written Law given to Israel; it is having a geniuine love for the righteousness that is expressed in the Law Covenant, but even more importantly, as given to us in the example of Jesus, the one whom Jehovah anointed and sent. (Isaiah 61:1; John 17:1,3) Due to Adam's sin (Romans 5:12-19), we need to realize that by nature (Ephesians 2:2,3), in our sinful flesh (Romans 8:3), we can never be fully in harmony with God's righteous standard; and thus we need to realize that Jesus is the only means by which we may be reconciled with God. -- John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:24; 5:1; 1 Corinthians 5:18-20; Galatians 2:16,17; 5:4.