Reunión Fin de Semana 7-8 Febrero 2026 | Estudio de La Atalaya
Introduction to the Spiritual Discourse
Overview of the Speech
- The discourse titled "¡Tengan fe en Dios y sus promesas!" is introduced by Alejandro Álvarez, inviting attendees to focus on the message.
Understanding Faith
Definition and Nature of Faith
- Many perceive faith as believing without evidence; however, true faith is based on convincing proof. This concept is supported by Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as certainty in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
The Existence of Unseen Realities
Examples of Unseen Truths
- Just as we cannot see air or God, we believe in their existence through faith. Promises from God include relief from suffering, pain, death, and diseases that currently exist. This belief enhances our understanding of God's nature.
Importance of Faith
Role of Faith in Pleasing God
- Having faith is essential for pleasing God; without it, one cannot be His friend (Hebrews 11:6). Seeking God with genuine effort leads to divine rewards. Faith also empowers individuals to overcome significant obstacles, akin to moving mountains (Matthew 17:20).
The Power of Prayer and Faith Development
Connection Between Prayer and Peace
- Those with faith experience answered prayers and a profound peace during difficult times. Developing this faith requires active participation in spiritual gatherings where encouragement flows through the Holy Spirit.
Observing Nature as Evidence of Creation
Learning from Natural Phenomena
- Observing nature helps strengthen one's faith; for instance, witnessing a beautiful sunrise or starry night can affirm God's creation (Isaiah 40:26). Each star is known by name to Jehovah, illustrating His intimate knowledge of creation.
The Cycle of Water as a Divine Design
Importance of Water Cycle
- The water cycle demonstrates God's provision for life on Earth through natural processes that maintain ecological balance without external intervention—highlighting His love for humanity. A city deprived of clean water would face dire consequences due to its necessity for survival.
Oxygen and Carbon Cycles
Breathing Life into Existence
- Breathing involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide; despite billions doing this simultaneously, the atmosphere remains balanced due to the oxygen cycle's efficiency—a testament to divine design in sustaining life on Earth.
The Role of Photosynthesis and God's Design in Nature
Photosynthesis and Its Importance
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide exhaled by humans, using it along with sunlight to produce carbohydrates and oxygen. This process concludes when we inhale the oxygen produced.
- The clean and efficient production of pure air and carbohydrates by plants is a testament to Jehovah's love for humanity.
Complexity in Nature
- The intricate design of living beings suggests an intelligent creator. For instance, the seagull has remarkable adaptations that prevent it from freezing while standing on ice.
Mechanism of Heat Exchange
- Seagulls maintain their body temperature through a fascinating counter-current heat exchange system found in many cold-region animals.
- This mechanism can be illustrated with two tubes carrying hot and cold water; if they flow in opposite directions, heat transfer is maximized.
Engineering Insights from Nature
- When seagulls stand on ice, their extremities warm the blood returning from their cold feet, conserving heat within their bodies.
- Arthur Fraas describes this biological system as one of the most effective regenerative heat exchangers known, inspiring engineers who replicate its design.
Biblical Prophecies: Evidence of Divine Foreknowledge
Fulfillment of Prophecies
- Many biblical prophecies have been fulfilled accurately over time. For example, Joshua 23:14 emphasizes that not one promise made by Jehovah has failed.
Historical Examples
- Current events reflect biblical predictions about increasing wickedness, affirming that Jehovah's words remain true.
Specific Prophecy Analysis
- Isaiah prophesied Babylon's fall around 732 BCE when it was not yet a major empire. He named Cyrus as the conqueror and described his strategy to divert rivers.
Detailed Account of Babylon's Fall
- Approximately 200 years later, Cyrus executed this plan successfully; he diverted the Euphrates River allowing his army to enter through unguarded gates.
Modern Confirmation
- Today’s ruins near Baghdad confirm that Babylon became desolate as prophesied—demonstrating the reliability of biblical predictions regarding future events.
Promises for Humanity’s Future
Hope Beyond Suffering
- Jehovah promises an end to suffering, disease, and death—a future filled with happiness awaits those who have faith in these assurances.
Faith and Strengthening Our Beliefs
The Importance of Studying the Bible
- The speaker emphasizes the significance of studying the Bible, referencing Revelation 21:4, which promises that God will wipe away tears and eliminate death, sorrow, and pain.
- It is highlighted that faith in God's promises requires diligent study of His word to understand and believe in these truths.
Seeking Support from Jehovah's Organization
- The speaker encourages seeking help from Jehovah's organization through resources like their website or local witnesses at community gatherings (Tianguis).
- Faith is compared to a muscle; it strengthens with use, similar to how physical exercise builds strength.
Acting on Faith
- To cultivate strong faith, individuals are encouraged to share their beliefs with others as a way to reinforce their understanding and commitment.
- Regular attendance at meetings, personal study, and family worship are essential practices for maintaining and strengthening one's faith.
Nurturing Faith Like a Plant
- The analogy of nurturing a plant is used to illustrate how faith needs care—like water and soil—to grow healthy.
- Prayer is emphasized as vital; believers should communicate with Jehovah throughout their daily activities for guidance and support.
Encouragement to Preach
- The speaker urges listeners to preach the good news actively, likening this effort to knocking on doors for spiritual nourishment.
- Time spent strengthening one’s faith through various efforts will be rewarded by Jehovah, reinforcing the importance of dedication in spiritual pursuits.
Understanding Suffering Through Job
Introduction to Job's Lessons
- A new segment begins focusing on suffering as illustrated in the Book of Job. It aims to provide balance regarding human suffering while acknowledging its complexities.
Key Themes from Job's Story
- Discussion centers around why God allows suffering. This session seeks insights into enduring hardship using Job’s experiences as a guide.
Significance of Reading Job
- The Book of Job is described as crucial for understanding divine qualities such as love, wisdom, justice, and power.
- It addresses fundamental questions about life’s challenges while emphasizing the sanctification of God's name through trials faced by believers.
Understanding the Book of Job
The Qualities of God and Human Suffering
- The study of the Book of Job helps us understand God's beautiful qualities such as love, wisdom, justice, and power.
- It explains why God allows human suffering and provides insights into life itself.
Perspective from the Book of Job
- Reading the Book of Job is likened to climbing a mountain; it offers a broader perspective on our problems from Jehovah's viewpoint.
- The article discusses how this book can assist us during times of suffering and reflects on its historical benefits for Israelites in the past.
Benefits of Studying Job
- One key benefit is realizing that our suffering is not the end but serves a purpose according to Jehovah's plan.
- Understanding that reading Job provides an elevated view helps us cope with personal struggles like illness or loss.
Insights on Job’s Character
- Job lived in the land of Uz during Israelite slavery in Egypt, remaining faithful to Jehovah while others turned to idol worship.
- Despite his wealth and status, he prioritized serving Jehovah over material possessions, showcasing true integrity.
Satan's Challenge and Its Implications
- Satan claimed that Job would abandon his faith if faced with suffering; thus, God allowed trials to test this assertion.
- Despite losing everything—including health—Job maintained his integrity by acknowledging both good and bad from God without sinning against Him.
Why Did Jehovah Allow Job to Suffer?
The Nature of Job's Integrity
- Despite his immense suffering, Job did not sin with his lips. This highlights the theme of unwavering faith amidst trials.
- Satan accused Job of only serving Jehovah for material blessings, prompting God to allow Job's suffering as a test of true loyalty and integrity.
- Jehovah permitted this suffering to demonstrate that Satan was wrong in claiming that Job’s devotion was conditional on his prosperity.
Understanding Suffering Through Job's Experience
- Jehovah’s foresight allowed Him to see the long-term benefits of Job's trials, which would serve as lessons for future generations about integrity and faithfulness.
- The story of Job could provide comfort and understanding to the Israelites who suffered in Egypt, illustrating that their hardships were not due to divine neglect but part of a larger plan.
Lessons for Future Generations
- The narrative emphasizes recognizing the true source of suffering, helping individuals maintain hope and integrity despite adverse circumstances.
- By reflecting on Job’s experience, Israelites could understand that maintaining faith is crucial even when facing injustices or hardships.
The Importance of Perspective During Trials
- The story encourages individuals to focus on positive aspects rather than succumbing to bitterness during difficult times.
- Maintaining a hopeful outlook can help individuals endure challenges by reminding them that better times may lie ahead.
Personal Reflections on Faith Amidst Suffering
- Acknowledging negative feelings is natural; however, like Joshua and Caleb, one can find strength in hope and positive reminders from God.
- Many people today struggle with their faith due to personal suffering; stories like Asel’s illustrate how misunderstandings about God's role can lead individuals away from Him.
Understanding Suffering Through the Book of Job
The Source of Suffering
- We learn from Hawker's book that suffering is caused by Satan, not God. This perspective helps us understand that misfortunes can happen to anyone, as explained in the Bible.
- It is crucial not to assume that those who suffer are merely reaping what they have sown; unexpected events can affect all individuals.
Personal Testimonies and Insights
- Asel's experience illustrates a transformation after studying with Jehovah's Witnesses; she realized God was not responsible for her suffering and found happiness through understanding His love.
- The discussion emphasizes the importance of knowing why God allows suffering, which can provide comfort during difficult times.
Lessons from the Book of Job
- When facing severe suffering, people often blame God due to a lack of knowledge about His nature and intentions. Reading Job offers a broader perspective on our struggles and reassures us that we are not alone in our pain.
- Sharing insights from Job with others who are suffering can help them understand the origins of their distress better. Knowledge is key to alleviating feelings of isolation during hardships.
Biblical References Supporting Understanding
- Ecclesiastes 3:9,11 highlights that life includes unforeseen challenges, reminding us that even powerful individuals do not always succeed or avoid difficulties. This reinforces the idea that bad moments are part of life for everyone, including faithful servants of Jehovah.
Real-Life Experiences Reflecting Faith
- A poignant story shared involves Jacell from Rwanda, who faced trauma but later understood through her faith that God did not cause her suffering; rather, He allowed it for reasons beyond human comprehension. Her renewed relationship with God brought her joy and peace after years of distance due to misunderstanding Him.
Practical Applications from Job’s Story
- The narrative encourages viewing difficulties as opportunities to demonstrate loyalty to Jehovah and deepen our understanding of Him during trials—this aligns with Proverbs 27:11 about using challenges constructively for spiritual growth.
- Discussions around how friends like Eliphaz misinterpret Job’s situation highlight common misconceptions about sin leading directly to suffering; this serves as a reminder that such beliefs do not apply universally or accurately in every case (Job 4:8).
Seeking Support During Hardships
- Following Job’s example shows the importance of expressing feelings during tough times; reaching out for support—whether from friends or professionals—is vital for emotional healing when experiencing despair or suicidal thoughts (Job 10:1).
Job's Endurance and Relationship with God
Job's Physical and Emotional State
- The description of Job portrays him as suffering immensely, covered in sores and weakened by pain. His physical state reflects deep distress, emphasizing the severity of his trials.
- Despite his suffering, Job is depicted not merely as surviving but enduring. This raises questions about what kept him faithful during such hardships.
Lessons from James 5:11
- The verse highlights that those who endure are considered blessed. It references Job’s perseverance and God's compassion towards him, reinforcing the idea that endurance amidst suffering is commendable.
- The discussion emphasizes that enduring does not equate to a lack of pain; rather, it involves remaining steadfast despite experiencing significant emotional and physical anguish.
Job's Integrity Amidst Suffering
- Even after immense suffering, Job did not become bitter or resentful towards God. This illustrates a profound understanding of divine love and support during trials.
- The speaker warns against harboring anger towards God for allowing suffering, suggesting instead a perspective of trust in God's oversight.
Understanding Job's Complaints
- In Chapter 3, Job expresses bitterness over his tragedies, mistakenly believing they stemmed from God. His candidness reveals the depth of his relationship with God—he felt free to voice his grievances.
- Throughout conversations with friends, Job defends his integrity while grappling with feelings of injustice regarding his suffering.
Divine Response to Job
- When God finally responds to Job from a storm, He does not provide detailed explanations for Job’s sufferings but corrects him like a father would—a sign of their close relationship.
- This interaction leads to an important realization for Job about the limitations of human understanding compared to divine wisdom.
Understanding Job's Integrity and Lessons for Israel
Job's Dialogue with Jehovah
- The discussion begins with a reference to Job recognizing his integrity, highlighting the importance of understanding one's position before God.
- Job's responses to Jehovah illustrate a father-son dynamic, where Jehovah guides Job in understanding his limited knowledge about divine matters.
- Over 45 questions posed by Jehovah serve to demonstrate His power and encourage reflection among the Israelites regarding their own challenges.
Moses as a Model of Endurance
- Moses faced numerous hardships but chose to communicate his concerns directly to Jehovah rather than complain like other Israelites.
- The narrative of Job may have provided future generations of Israelites with tools for expressing their feelings and accepting discipline from God humbly.
Benefits Derived from Job’s Story
- The story of Job teaches resilience, encouraging future generations to endure difficulties while maintaining faith in God's guidance.
- It emphasizes the importance of expressing feelings honestly to God, contrasting Moses' approach with that of other Israelites who merely complained.
Learning from Discipline
- Both Christians today and ancient Israelites are reminded that enduring discipline is part of spiritual growth; it fosters humility and acceptance.
- The book of Job reassures believers that they can express deep emotions without fear, knowing that God listens and provides strength when needed.
Embracing Correction
- Accepting correction from God is framed as an act done out of love, which should be received joyfully as it leads to personal improvement.
- Listening attentively to God's guidance is crucial for spiritual development; this reinforces the need for humility in receiving advice.
This structured summary encapsulates key discussions around the themes presented in the transcript while providing timestamps for easy navigation.
Why Do We Suffer?
The Importance of Endurance in Difficult Times
- The speaker emphasizes the need to endure hardships, expressing that it is acceptable to feel emotions like crying or despair but crucial to remain close to Jehová and maintain happiness.
- Reference is made to Hebrews 12:7, highlighting that discipline comes with endurance and that consequences for mistakes may not align with personal desires but are just in God's eyes.
Understanding Suffering Through Biblical Context
- The discussion introduces the concept of suffering as a part of life, asserting that it can be explained through biblical narratives, particularly referencing Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
- It is noted that God allows suffering as a means to demonstrate human resilience against Satan's lies and ultimately restore humanity to perfection.
Job's Story as a Model for Understanding Suffering
- The speaker suggests using the story of Job when discussing suffering, noting how Job questioned his own suffering while maintaining faith in God despite believing he was being punished.
- It is highlighted that Job’s suffering was not caused by God but allowed by Him to prove human loyalty against Satan’s accusations.
Practical Applications When Discussing Suffering
- A practical approach involves acknowledging others' questions about suffering and relating them back to Job’s experiences, emphasizing that they are not alone in their inquiries.
- By illustrating how Job remained faithful despite immense loss due to Satan's actions, individuals can find comfort knowing their struggles are not divine punishment.
Real-Life Impact: Mario's Experience
- A real-life example is shared about Mario, who contemplated suicide before receiving encouragement from scripture. This highlights the transformative power of discussing biblical perspectives on suffering.
- After learning about Job’s trials during a conversation with a sister preaching over the phone, Mario decided to read the entire book of Job, indicating its potential for providing hope and understanding.
Understanding the Impact of Suffering Through the Book of Job
Mario's Journey to Understanding God
- A sister sent Mario a link to jw.org, leading him to accept a Bible study course and igniting his interest in learning about God's love.
- The discussion highlights how reading the Book of Job can change perspectives, as exemplified by Mario, who felt abandoned but found understanding through scripture.
- Mario received the complete account of Job, which helped him realize that his suffering was not caused by God, eventually coordinating a Bible study with him.
The Depth of Mario's Struggles
- It is revealed that Mario was experiencing severe depression and had even contemplated suicide before being reached out to by a sister for preaching.
- The sister shared vital information from the Book of Job that he needed at that moment, illustrating the power of scriptural support during crises.
Lessons from the Book of Job
- The Book of Job reassures readers that God does not act with malice; it explains why suffering exists and how individuals can endure it while providing comfort to others.
- Participants discuss their gratitude for having the story of Job included in scripture as it helps them understand God's justice and compassion amidst suffering.
Gaining Insight into God's Nature
- Understanding why God allows suffering helps believers see Him as a source of support rather than abandonment; Satan is identified as the original cause of suffering.
- The narrative emphasizes knowing God better through experiences shared in scripture, helping individuals differentiate between divine actions and personal hardships.
Coping Mechanisms Through Scriptural Guidance
- Recognizing that Jehovah is not responsible for suffering encourages believers to seek refuge in Him confidently during difficult times.
- Insights from Job teach maintaining a positive attitude despite adversity; this mindset aids endurance through trials similar to those faced by Job himself.
Helping Others with Biblical Wisdom
- Using the Book of Job provides perspective on suffering; comforting oneself first enables one to help others understand that Jehovah is not behind their pain.
- Sharing truths from scripture empowers individuals to assist others effectively while reinforcing their own faith against adversities.
Conclusion: Embracing Support During Trials
- The session concludes with an acknowledgment that many struggle with understanding their role amid suffering but emphasizes reliance on biblical teachings for guidance.
- Final remarks highlight how God's response to Job serves as gentle correction rather than harsh reprimand, encouraging believers towards deeper understanding.
Understanding the Lessons from Job
The Impact of Job's Experience on Israelite Learning
- Hob's correction led to a heartfelt reaction, demonstrating humility as he recognized his limits and accepted Jehovah's guidance.
- Unlike many Israelites who complained against Jehovah, Moses expressed his concerns directly to Him, highlighting the importance of honest communication with God.
- The story of Job teaches that it is acceptable to express feelings to Jehovah while maintaining respect and trust in His actions.
Strengthening Through Job's Narrative
- The account of Job encourages believers to approach Jehovah with confidence during painful times, reinforcing the need for endurance as taught in Hebrews 10:36.
- Understanding suffering can be explained by referencing the Garden of Eden, where Satan deceived Eve, leading humanity into sin and death (Romans 5:12).
Teaching Others About Suffering Using Job
- When discussing suffering, it's effective to acknowledge people's concerns and relate them to Job’s own questions about his pain (Job 7:17-21).
- Clarifying that Satan was behind Job’s suffering helps shift blame away from Jehovah and fosters understanding that God listens and cares.
Personal Experiences Reflecting Job's Lessons
- An example is shared about Mario, who found hope through a biblical discussion about God's attentiveness during his darkest moments.
- After reading the book of Job, Mario realized that God does not cause suffering but genuinely cares for those in distress.
Reflection on the Book of Job
- Appreciation for the inclusion of Job in scripture stems from its role in affirming faith in God's justice amidst unexplained pain (Job 34:12).
Review Questions on Key Insights
- Why did God allow Job to suffer?
- Understanding this helps dispel harmful beliefs about God's responsibility for suffering; it shows His justice and trust in His servants' loyalty.
- How does the story of Job help us endure?
- It encourages open communication with God without fear of rejection, providing relief during difficult times.
- How can we use the book of Job to assist others?
- By comforting those who suffer through explanations rooted in empathy and scriptural insights regarding divine care.