Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-16-05 WT Study (September 1, 2005 issue)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/
www.silentlambs.org
www.ajwrb.org
WE SHALL WALK IN THE NAME OF JEHOVAH OUR GOD
"We, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time
indefinite, even forever. "-MICAH 4:5.
Opening Comments
Title:
Name of Jehovah--What happened to the name of Jesus Christ?
Did Jesus followers become known as Christians or JWs? What did "divine providence" choose? Christians or Jehovah's Witnesses?
(Acts 11:26) . . .and it was first in Antioch that the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.
*** w85 5/15 p. 16 The Finest Friendship Endures in an Unfriendly World ***
Our cherished friendship with God makes us happy to be called Jehovah's Witnesses. True, Christ's disciples of the first century had not adopted the name "Jehovah's Witnesses." But please consider their relationship with the finest Friend of all. Acts 11:26 reports: "It was first in Antioch [Syria] that the disciples were by divine providence called Christians." You will note that the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures says that they were "by divine providence called Christians." The Greek word here rendered "by divine providence called" implies something more than mere random calling. The finest Friend in the universe approved of that name "Christians."
START OF ARTICLE
THE first man mentioned in the Bible as walking with God was Enoch. The
second was Noah. The record tells us: "Noah was a righteous man. He proved
himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God."
(Genesis 6:9) By Noah's time, mankind in general had deviated from pure
worship. The bad situation was made worse by unfaithful angels who formed
unnatural unions with women and produced offspring called Nephilim, "the
mighty ones," or "the men of fame," of those days. No wonder the earth
became filled with violence! (Genesis 6:2, 4, 11) Still, Noah proved himself
faultless and was "a preacher of righteousness." (2 Peter 2:5) When God
commanded him to build an ark for the preservation of life, Noah obediently
"proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just
so." (Genesis 6:22) Truly, Noah walked with God.
Note how the WTS says Noah had an organization. That Enoch and Abel were an organization of one person each.
*** w94 10/1 p. 11 God's Servants-An Organized and Happy People ***
Jehovah also organizes his servants on earth. When he brought the Deluge of Noah's day in 2370 B.C.E., Noah and seven others survived the Flood as a family organization
*** w84 7/15 p. 11 Organized to Serve Jehovah ***
Noah and the seven other Flood survivors emerged from the ark as a family organization. A matter of prime importance to them was the rendering of united worship to God, for we read: "Noah began to build an altar to Jehovah and to take some of all the clean beasts and of all the clean flying creatures and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar." The Flood survivors did not immediately go their separate ways religiously, but they were all together for this significant event that culminated in blessing, instruction and a covenant originating with God. (Genesis 8:18-9:17) Yes, after the Deluge, Noah's family started off as an organization that served Jehovah.
*** w65 7/15 p. 426 Jehovah's Advancing Organization ***
EARTHLY ORGANIZATION
With the first human pair God established an earthly organization that he purposed to encompass the earth in due time as man multiplied in numbers. Like His heavenly organization, it would worship and serve his interests. The disobedience of that first pair, as well as the majority of their descendants, has not thwarted God's purposes.
Jehovah's earthly organization has been represented throughout the ages by men of integrity who manifested deep loyalty to him. Wherever they resided, they represented his earthly organization. At times this association of loyal worshipers was very limited in number, consisting of as few as one to eight persons, as in the days of Abel, Enoch and Noah. Although there were only eight persons in it right before the flood of Noah's days, it was an advancing organization. It advanced in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes when it was informed about the Flood and the preservation of human and animal life. Its members were given work that was different from what they had been doing before. They had a work assignment of constructing an ark for the preservation of their own lives and of the lives of the creatures they were to bring into the ark. Every member of that organization advanced with it to this new form of work. None became disgruntled about this change in work and held back from it. That organization was even informed in advance when the Flood would begin and how long the downpour of waters would last. All eight members had to stay close to the organization and advance with it in order to be preserved with it in the ark.
** w55 5/15 p. 307 Jehovah's Channel of Communication ***
His own wife, his three sons and their wives believed Noah and accepted him as God's sole channel of leadership. They too joined Noah as preachers of righteousness and helped him build the great boat. Noah therefore headed this little preaching organization as the chief agent and official prophetic channel on earth who had dealings directly with God in heaven
*** w53 2/1 p. 86 Deliverance to a Righteous World ***
There was no deliverance apart from Noah and his God-approved family organization for constructing the ark of deliverance.
*** w53 4/15 p. 250 Jehovah: Husband, Father and Teacher ***
It was through Noah that Jehovah accomplished the preaching of righteousness at that time. Jehovah's word and his spirit and his organization on earth were found in Noah and his family, and Jehovah was the teacher.-Gen. 6:8-9:29, AS.
Preacher of righteousness--how many books and magazines did Noah try to place with his neighbors?
Obediently...he did just so--
The theme this year at the conventions, assemblies, in the publications and talks has been "obedience" ostensibly to God but in reality to the WTS/FDS/GB.
*** w80 12/1 p. 18 How Shall We Escape? ***
On what was escape dependent? This is clearly shown by the words: "And Noah proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so." (Gen. 6:22) When God gives explicit commands or directions, unquestioning obedience is required. If anything by way of direction or warning is ignored, escape becomes impossible
*** w91 9/15 p. 17 "Help Me Out Where I Need Faith!" ***
To ensure their salvation, Noah and his family needed to exercise faith. This meant following instructions and the leadings of God's holy spirit. During the great tribulation, it will be just as imperative that we follow the leadings of the holy spirit and obey Jehovah's instructions through his organization.
2 Paul included Noah in his list of faithful witnesses when he wrote: "By
faith Noah, after being given divine warning of things not yet beheld,
showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household;
and through this faith he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the
righteousness that is according to faith." (Hebrews 11:7) What a splendid
example! Certain that Jehovah's words would come true, Noah expended time,
energy, and resources in order to fulfill God's commands. In a similar way,
many today turn their backs on secular opportunities in this world and
expend their time, energy, and resources in obeying Jehovah's commands.
Their faith is noteworthy and will result in their own salvation as well as
that of others.-Luke 16:9; 1 Timothy 4:16.
Time, energy, and resources (2)--a WTS trinity
*** w02 1/15 p. 8 'Preaching the Word' Brings Refreshment ***
His time, energy, and resources were directed primarily toward preaching about God's Kingdom.
Commands (2)--whatever the WTS says is the same as Gody saying it
*** w96 9/1 p. 20 Living by the Law of the Christ ***
Indeed, Christians are obligated to observe all commands in the Bible that are directed to followers of Christ. And there is more. Jehovah's organization, as well as individual congregations, has to establish necessary rules and procedures in order to preserve good order. (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40) Why, Christians could not even meet together if they had no rules as to when, where, and how to hold such meetings! (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Cooperating with reasonable guidelines laid down by those given authority in the organization is also a part of fulfilling the law of the Christ.-Hebrews 13:17.
Turn their back on secular opportunities--but don't expect the local congregation or the WTS to help you out financially because of it.
3 Exercising faith must have been as difficult for Noah and his family as it
was for Enoch, Noah's great-grandfather, who was discussed in the preceding
article. In Noah's day as in Enoch's, true worshippers were a small minority
- just eight people proved faithful and survived the Flood. Noah preached
righteousness in a violent and immoral world. Moreover, he and his family
were building a huge wooden ark in preparation for a worldwide flood,
although no one had seen such a flood before. That must have seemed very
strange to those observing them.
Must have been--meaning the Bible doesn't say but let us speculate
True worshippers--only 8 people, Noah, his wife (no name given in the Bible), his 3 sons and their wives (no names given in the Bible)
No one had seen such a flood before--actually the WTS teaches that it had never rained before.
*** w53 3/1 p. 137 Why the Struggle to Keep Integrity? ***
Noah followed in God's way and believed what God had said to him. He showed his faith in it by constructing an ark, although there had never been rain upon the earth since man's creation. (Gen. 2:5, 6)
*** w78 8/1 p. 22 Cultivating the Spirit of Self-Sacrifice ***
He was instructed to make a huge vessel, an ark. Yet there never had been any pouring rains or floods.
*** w71 3/15 p. 169 Water Sweeps Away a World ***
Then all of a sudden water began to fall! People stopped what they were doing. They had never seen it rain before. Noah had been right! What he had been saying all those years was coming true!
4 Interestingly, when Jesus referred to the days of Noah, he did not speak
of the violence, the false religion, or the immorality - grievous as those
were. The error that Jesus highlighted was the refusal of people to heed the
warning being given. He said that they were "eating and drinking, men
marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered
into the ark." Eating, drinking, marrying, being given in marriage-what was
wrong with that? They were just living "normal" lives! But a flood was
coming, and Noah was preaching righteousness. His words and his conduct
should have been a warning to them. Still, they "took no note until the
flood came and swept them all away."-Matthew 24:38, 39.
False religion--until 1950 or so the WTS taught that all religion was false and that the WTS was not a religion.
Just living "normal" lives--but how many JWs do this, running back to the WTS at every disaster, be it 9-11, a tsunami, a hurricane, an earthquake.
*** w99 10/1 pp. 12-13 "A Time for Peace" Is at Hand! ***
How dangerous to think that we can take it easy, living so-called normal lives, waiting to see how things might develop!
*** w94 12/15 pp. 16-17 United in the Perfect Bond of Love ***
How dangerous it would be to adopt the view that, not knowing when the end will come, we should plan for a full and "normal" life! That approach could be reflected in the reasoning, 'I might as well take steps that will permit me (or my children) to have a respectable career that pays very well and will enable me to enjoy a comfortable life. Of course, I will attend Christian meetings and have some share in the preaching work, but there's no reason for me to exert myself or make great sacrifices.'-Matthew 24:38-42.
*** w78 8/1 pp. 18-19 Are You Self-Indulgent-or Self-Sacrificing? ***
Yet, from God's viewpoint, can any way of life in this system of things be "normal"? This world is under the influence of Satan and his demons, dominated by harsh political systems, greedy commercial interests and selfish false religions. It is filled with fear, hatred, violence, immorality, corruption, economic difficulties, sickness and death.
Took no note--Translation: they did not become Jehovah's Witnesses.
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history. As it was in the days of Noah, said Jesus, so it would be in the day when He would be revealed. Inside the ark that took many years of organized effort to complete, only eight human souls survived the global Deluge. They survived as a united family group.
5 Looking back on those times, we see the wisdom of Noah's course. However,
in the days before the Flood, it took courage to be different from everyone
else. It took strong conviction for Noah and his family to build the huge
ark and fill it with representatives of the animal kinds. Did some among
those few faithful souls sometimes wish that they could be less conspicuous
and just live "normal" lives? Even if such thoughts crossed their minds,
they did not weaken in their integrity. After a great many years-longer than
any one of us will have to endure in this system of things-the faith of Noah
led to his salvation through the Flood. However, Jehovah executed judgment
on all those who were living "normal" lives and taking no note of the
meaning of the times they were living in.
It took courage to be different from everyone else--but is persecution alone a sign that one is being persecuted for obeying God?
"normal" lives--there is that phrase again
*** w98 6/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
Some might reason, 'I know of devoted Christians who extended themselves for years, making many sacrifices; yet, by the time of their death, the end of this wicked system still had not come. So maybe I'd better slow down, live a more normal life.'
*** w82 11/15 p. 25 The Spirit of the Christian Ministry ***
It is sad to hear, from time to time, of parents who try to persuade their children to stop pioneering-not because they need their help, but because they feel that their children have been long enough in their assignments, and now it is time to come home, have a family and live a "normal" life. But these are not normal times, and as the end of this system gets closer, everyone's life will become less and less normal. Pioneers, members of Bethel families, traveling ministers and missionaries should be encouraged to persevere.-Titus 2:12.
After a great many years--longer than any one of us will have to endure in this system of things--how long did Noah live according to the Bible, 950 years, 350 of them after the Flood.
The average lifespan of humans in the Bible was just under 1,000 years. So 600/950 = 60/95 = 12/19 * 80 (average lifespan) = almost 51 years. So in perspective, did Noah live any longer?
I'm in my 50's and have been waiting long than 51 years--longer than Noah.
"normal" lives-- twice in the same paragraph. Must mean too many JWs are living "normal" lives and not preaching, donating, going to meetings, and listening to the WTS on issues such as university education.
Taking no note--do I see a trend here?
Violence Again Plagues Mankind
6 After the waters of the Flood receded, mankind had a fresh start. However,
humans were still imperfect, and "the inclination of the heart of man"
continued to be "bad from his youth up." (Genesis 8:21) Besides, although
the demons could no longer materialize human bodies, they were still very
active. The world of ungodly mankind quickly showed that it was "lying in
the power of the wicked one," and just as today, true worshippers had to
fight against "the machinations of the Devil."-1 John 5:19; Ephesians 6:11,
12.
Bad from his youth up--the flood supposedly occurred because the human race was going to destroy itself before God's time plan was through. Also the WTS says that is why God confused the languages, the make sure the judgment period of humans lasted 6,000 years.
Demons could no longer materialize human bodies--where does it say that in the Bible? All those movies and TV shows are wrong.
*** w95 12/15 p. 11 They "Did Just So" ***
Since Noah's day demonic angels have not been permitted to materialize in human form.
***Reasoning Book p. 388 Spiritism ***
Are wicked spirits able to take on human form?
In the days of Noah, disobedient angels did take on human form. They actually married, and they fathered children. (Gen. 6:1-4) However, when the Flood came, those angels were forced back into the spirit realm. Regarding them, Jude 6 says: "The angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place he has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day." Not only did God abase them from their former heavenly privileges and consign them to dense darkness regarding Jehovah's purposes, but the reference to bonds indicates that he has restrained them. From what? Evidently, from taking on physical bodies so they could have relations with women, as they had done before the Flood.
*** it-1 p. 612 Demon ***
Though evidently restrained from materializing, they still have great power and influence over the minds and lives of men, even having the ability to enter into and possess humans and animals, and the facts show that they also use inanimate things such as houses, fetishes, and charms.
true worshippers--only JWs.
7 At least from the time of Nimrod, the post-Flood earth once again became
the scene of human violence. As a result of increasing population and the
progress of technology, that violence has escalated over time. In earlier
years, there were the sword, the spear, the bow and arrow, and the chariot.
In more recent times came the musket and the cannon, then the rifle and the
sophisticated artillery of the early 20th century. World War I brought to
the fore more frightening weapons, such as the airplane, the tank, the
submarine, and poison gas. In that war, these weapons took millions of
lives. Was that unexpected? No.
Nimrod...human violence...technology...spear, bow and arrow, chariot
Recent times...musket, cannon, rifle, artillery, airplane, tank, submarine, poison gas
Took millions of lives--yet the WTS teaches that God will soon destroy over 6 billion people, men, women, children, and babies even if they aren't reached individually by JWs with the "kingdom" message.
8 In the year 1914, Jesus was enthroned as King of God's heavenly Kingdom,
and "the Lord's day" began. (Revelation 1:10) In a vision reported in the
book of Revelation, Jesus is seen as a King riding forth victoriously on a
white horse. Other horsemen follow him, each representing a different plague
on mankind. One of them rides a fiery-colored horse, and to him it was
granted "to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one
another; and a great sword was given him." (Revelation 6: 1-4) This horse
and its rider picture warfare, and the great sword represents the
unprecedented destructiveness of modern warfare with its powerful weapons.
Those weapons today include nuclear devices, each one capable of destroying
tens of thousands of people; rockets able to deliver those devices to
targets thousands of miles away; as well as sophisticated chemical and
biological weapons of mass destruction.
Blurb on page 20: Just as in Noah's day, people today are consumed with
their daily activities
1914, Jesus was enthroned as King--or was that 1878?
*** Proclaimers Book chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that if Jesus' baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King.
horse and its rider picture warfare--Jesus is the rider per the WTS yet
the great sword represents...modern warfare...nuclear devices...chemical weapons, WMDs
If Jesus is the rider, in what way does he use modern warfare such as nuclear weapons and other WMDs?
Is the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:1-4 the same as the one in Revelation 19:11-16?
We Take Note of Jehovah's Warnings
9 In the days of Noah, Jehovah brought mankind to ruin because of the
extreme violence of wicked humans abetted by the Nephilim. What of today? Is
the earth any less violent than it was then? Hardly! Moreover, just as in
Noah's day, people today are going about their business, trying to live a
"normal" life, refusing to heed the warnings being sounded. (Luke 17:26, 27)
Is there any reason, then, to doubt that Jehovah will once again bring
mankind to ruin? No.
Is the earth any less violent than it was then?
"normal" life--there is that phrase again.
Heed the warnings--the WTS hides the fact that they believe that everyone other than JWs will die at Armageddon. Not much of a warning!
http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm
Do you believe that you are the only ones who will be saved?
No. Many millions who have lived in centuries past and who were not Jehovah's Witnesses will come back in a resurrection and have an opportunity for life. Many now living may yet take a stand for truth and righteousness before God's time of judgment, and they will gain salvation. Moreover, Jesus said that we should not be judging one another. Humans look at the outward appearance; God looks at the heart. He sees accurately and judges mercifully. God has committed judgment into Jesus' hands, not ours.—Matthew 7:1-5; John 5:22, 27.
10 Hundreds of years before the Flood, Enoch prophesied the destruction that
must come in our day. (Jude 14, 15) Jesus too spoke of the coming "great
tribulation." (Matthew 24:21) Other prophets warned of that time. (Ezekiel
38:18-23; Daniel 12:1; Joel 2:31, 32) And in the book of Revelation, we read
a graphic description of that final destruction. (Revelation 19:11-21) As
individuals, we imitate Noah and are active as preachers of righteousness.
We take note of Jehovah's warnings and lovingly help our
neighbors to do the same. Hence, like Noah, we walk with God. Indeed, it is
vital that any who desire life keep on walking with God. How can we do that
in view of the pressures that we face each day? We need to cultivate strong
faith in the outworking of God's purpose.-Hebrews 11:6.
Enoch prophesied the destruction that must come in our day--1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975, 1984, 1994.
Great tribulation--Did you know that the WTS taught that the GT started in 1914 and was interrupted in 1918 to start up again in the future. That doctrine ended in 1970.
Active--1 hour a month (15 minutes a month if you are sick/elderly with the permission of the body of elders)
Lovingly help our neighbors (take note)--the only help JWs are allowed to give are words from the WTS and their publications.
Keep on walking with God--with the WTS
Keep Walking With God in Troublous Times
11 In the first century, anointed Christians were spoken of as belonging to
"The Way." (Acts 9:2) Their whole way of life centered on faith in Jehovah
and Jesus Christ. They walked in the path their Master had trod. Today, faithful Christians do
likewise.
"The Way"--attending 5 meetings weekly, 2 assemblies and 1 convention yearly, placing books, brochures?
Faith in Jehovah and Jesus Christ--finally forced to put Christ into the picture to support the following statements
Path their Master had trod--did Jesus turn in a time slip or teach his disciples to do such?
Faithful Christians--only JWs
VOMIT ALERT
*** w97 1/15 p. 22 What Does God Require of Us? ***
Serving Along With Jehovah's Organized People
We are not alone in making the changes needed to bring our lives into harmony with God's standards. Jehovah has a people on this earth, and he expects us to serve him along with them. This brings us to the fourth requirement. We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization.
How, though, can God's organized people be identified? According to the standards set out in the Scriptures, they have real love among themselves, they have deep respect for the Bible, they honor God's name, they preach about his Kingdom, and they are no part of this wicked world. (Matthew 6:9; 24:14; John 13:34, 35; 17:16, 17) There is only one religious organization on this earth that has all these marks of true Christianity-Jehovah's Witnesses!
Is it a burden to serve Jehovah along with his organized people? No, indeed! On the contrary, it is a precious privilege to have the love and support of a worldwide family of Christian brothers and sisters.
12 The importance of faith is seen in an event that took place during Jesus'
ministry. On one occasion, Jesus miraculously fed a crowd of about 5,000
men. The people were amazed and delighted. Notice, though, what happened
next. We read: "When the men saw the signs he performed, they began to say:
`This is for a certainty the prophet that was to come into the world.'
Therefore Jesus, knowing they were about to come and seize
him to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain all alone." (John
6:10-15) That night he traveled to another location. Jesus' refusal to
accept the kingship likely disappointed many. After all, he had shown that
he was wise enough to be king and that he had the power to satisfy the
people's physical needs. However, it was not yet Jehovah's time for him to
rule as King. Besides, Jesus' Kingdom was to be heavenly, not earthly.
Blurb on page 21: As Kingdom preachers, "we are not the sort that shrink
back"
5,000 men--no women or did they starve? The WTS has women and children in their pictures of this event.
make him king...It was not yet Jehovah's time--the WTS taught it was time in 1878.
***Proclaimers chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that if Jesus' baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King.
13 Nevertheless, the crowds determinedly followed Jesus and found him, as
John says, "across the sea." Why did they follow him after he avoided their
efforts to make him a king? Many betrayed a fleshly viewpoint, speaking
pointedly of the material provisions that Jehovah had made in the wilderness
in Moses' day. The implication was that Jesus should continue to make
material provisions for them. Jesus, perceiving their wrong motives, began
to teach them spiritual truths that could help adjust their thinking. (John
6:17, 24, 25, 30, 31, 35-40) In response, some murmured against him,
especially when he spoke this illustration: "Most truly I say to you, Unless
you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in
yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting
life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day." John 6:53, 54.
Fleshly viewpoint--rank and file that criticize the WTS have this thinking that they should live up to the same standards they expect of the rank and file.
Wrong motives--can any human know the motives of another human? Read hearts and minds?
*** w02 9/1 p. 21 Imitate the Great Teacher ***
Unlike Jesus, we cannot read hearts.
*** w91 1/15 p. 17 Seek Those Rightly Disposed for Everlasting Life ***
Of course, in preaching from house to house, Jehovah's Witnesses do not prejudge anyone. They cannot read hearts but leave the results in God's loving hands.
Adjust their thinking--like the WTS is always adjusting "the truth."
*** w85 3/1 p. 30 'Preaching in Favourable Season and in Troublesome Season' ***
And remain loyal. Maintain loyalty not only to Jehovah and Jesus Christ but also to God's earthly organization that nurtures and cherishes us. To be sure, our loyalty does get put to the test through adjustments within the organization, through trouble brought upon us, or through that which comes from our own foolishness
Some murmured against him (Jesus)--murmuring agains the WTS is the same as murmuring against Jesus or God.
*** w58 4/1 p. 217 Avoid Rebellious Tendencies ***
A murmuring campaign against Jehovah or any part of his organization would not be tolerated.
*** w54 2/15 p. 102 "Observe the Commandment in a Spotless and Irreprehensible Way" ***
The Christian is forbidden to gossip, to strive, to murmur, to complain, to be always finding fault with his brothers, or his congregation, or his servants, or the visible organization and the spiritual provisions coming through it
14 Jesus' illustrations often moved people to show whether they truly
desired to walk with God. This one was no exception. It provoked strong
reactions. We read: "Many of his disciples, when they heard this, said:
`This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?"' Jesus went on to explain
that they should look for the spiritual meaning of his words. He said: "It
is the spirit that is lifegiving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings
that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life." Still, many would not
listen, and the account reports: "Owing to this many of his disciples went
off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him." John 6:60, 63,
66.
Show whether they truly desired to walk with God--translation--walk with the WTS
Would no longer walk with him--no longer walk with the WTS
Does Jesus = WTS?
15 Nevertheless, not all of Jesus' disciples reacted that way. Admittedly,
the loyal disciples did not fully understand what Jesus had said. Still,
their confidence in him remained very firm. Peter, one of those loyal
disciples, expressed the feelings of all who remained when he said: "Lord,
whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life." (John 6:68)
What an excellent attitude, and what a fine example!
Loyal...did not fully understand...confidence in him remained firm--Are we comparing what Jesus said to what the WTS says?
Whom shall we go away to?--Not where, is leaving the WTS mean a person is leaving God and Christ?
How does the WTS apply this to themselves?
*** w00 9/1 p. 10 Reflect the Mental Attitude of Christ ***
When confronted with explanations or refinements in understanding of the Scriptures that we may at first find difficult to accept, would it not be good to display the attitude shown by Peter? How foolish it would be to stop serving Jehovah or to speak in a manner contrary to "the pattern of healthful words" simply because some things are initially difficult to understand!-2 Timothy 1:13.
WHERE OR WHOM?
*** w97 9/15 p. 5 Poor yet Rich-How Can It Be? ***
' If I stop serving Jehovah, where do I go?
*** w88 3/15 p. 18 Serving as Jehovah's Trusting Fellow Workers ***
Furthermore, suppose a person was to separate himself from Jehovah's people. Where could he go?
*** w76 5/15 p. 297 Preaching Christ-Through Envy or Goodwill? ***
Simon Peter answered: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life." (John 6:67, 68) Where could they get spiritual upbuilding?
*** w74 7/15 p. 438 Have You Really Come to Know God? ***
Ask yourself: 'Where did I gain the knowledge of the Scriptures that I already have? Has not the spiritual food provided through the Watch Tower publications helped me to change my life and find contentment and satisfaction? Where else would I go?'
*** w73 7/1 p. 404 Praise Jehovah with His People ***
If we truly appreciate Jehovah's earthly organization, we will remain loyal to it, knowing that the organization is his. If we were to leave it, where else could we go?
16 We today could be tested as those early disciples were. In our case, we
might be disappointed that Jehovah's promises are not being fulfilled as
quickly as we personally would like. We might feel that explanations of the
Scriptures in our Bible-based publications are difficult to understand. The
conduct of a fellow Christian might disappoint us. Would it be right to stop
walking with God for these or similar reasons? Of course not! The disciples
who abandoned Jesus betrayed a fleshly way of thinking. We must avoid doing
the same.
disappointed that Jehovah's promises are not being fulfilled as quickly as we personally would like
Disappointed that it did not come as promised in 1914 or 1915
Disappointed that it did not come as promised in 1925
Disappointed that it did not come as promised in the 1940's
Disappointed that it did not come as promised in 1975
Disappointed that it did not come as promised in 1984 or 1994
Disappointed that the 1914 generation that say the beginning in 1914 would see the end in their lifetime is no more
Were these "personal" predictions?
Explanations of the Scriptures in our Bible-based publications are difficult to understand
Difficult to understand how the superior authorities were the secular governments from 1879 to 1929, God and Jesus from 1929 to 1962, and from 1962 onward, the secular authorities again.
Difficult to understand how organ transplants were scripturally permitted until 1967, a disfellowshipping offense until 1980, and now is scripturally permitted again
Difficult to understand how the people of Sodom and Gomorrah have been in and out of Gehenna several times
Difficult to understand how screaming by the victim was required during a rape or be disfellowshipped, depending on the time frame of the "difficult to understand" policy of the WTS
A fellow Christian might disappoint us--by molesting us or our child and be told that because their were not 2 eyewitnesses to the event that we could not go to the authorities or say anything that would protect any other child.
Stop walking with God?--not the same as walking with the WTS; but under these circumstances, be assured that if you stay with the WTS, you are not walking with God.
Abandoned Jesus--Abandoning the WTS is not abandoning Jesus or God.
***for information on the policies above see the website below****
"We Are Not the Sort That Shrink Back"
17 The apostle Paul wrote: "All Scripture is inspired of God." (2 Timothy
3:16) Through the pages of the Bible, Jehovah tells us clearly: "This is the
way. Walk in it." (Isaiah 30: 21) Obeying God's Word helps us to 'keep
strict watch on how we walk.' (Ephesians 5: 15) Studying the Bible and
meditating on what we learn enable us to "go on walking in the truth." (3
John 3) Truly, as Jesus said, "the spirit ... is life-giving; the flesh is
of no use at all." The only reliable guidance by which to direct our steps
is spiritual guidance, which comes through Jehovah's Word, his spirit, and
his organization.
Obeying God's Word--as interpreted only by the WTS
Notice the John 6:68 reference
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible-A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.-John 6:68.
The only reliable guidance by which to direct our steps is spiritual guidance, which comes through Jehovah's Word, his spirit, and his organization.--the WTS triniity
Jehovah's Word
His Spirit
His organization
*** w03 3/15 p. 25 The Early Christians and the Mosaic Law ***
When Jehovah provides direction by means of his Word, his spirit, and his earthly organization, let us listen carefully. If we do so, Jehovah will bless us with endless life that is both happy and satisfying.
*** w03 8/1 p. 15 Imitating the God of Truth ***
Through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, he has enabled millions throughout the earth to understand what he already knows-the truth.
*** w03 10/15 p. 27 Youths, Walk Worthily of Jehovah ***
Today, he is using his holy spirit, his Word, and his organization to sustain those who "fight the fine fight of the faith," setting before them the reward of "everlasting life."
*** w02 1/15 p. 25 Teachers of God's Word Urged to Fulfill Their Commission ***
The keynote address, entitled "Completely Equipped as Teachers of God's Word," reminded us that Jehovah makes us his qualified ministers by means of his Word, his holy spirit, and his earthly organization
*** w02 2/15 p. 25 Completely Equipped as Teachers of God's Word ***
How does Jehovah qualify true Christians today? Let us discuss three means that he uses: (1) his Word, (2) his holy spirit, and (3) his earthly organization.
*** w02 10/15 pp. 8-9 "Oppose the Devil" ***
We need all the protection God provides through his Word, his spirit, and his organization so that we "may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil."
18 Today, those who become disgruntled because of fleshly thinking or
unfulfilled expectations often turn to making the most of what this world
has to offer. Losing their sense of urgency, they see no need to "keep on the watch," and they choose
to pursue selfish goals instead of putting Kingdom interests first. (Matthew
24:42) Walking in that way is most unwise. Notice the apostle Paul's words:
"We are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have
faith to the preserving alive of the soul." (Hebrews 10:39) Like Enoch and
Noah, we live in turbulent times, but like them, we have the privilege of
walking with God. Doing so, we have the assured expectation that we will see
Jehovah's promises fulfilled, wickedness destroyed, and a righteous new
world brought to pass. What a wonderful prospect!
Disgruntled
Fleshly thinking
Unfulfilled expectations
Making the most of what this world has to offer
Losing their sense of urgency
Selfish goals
Shrink back to destruction
Sounds like things are not well in the Land of Denial or LaLa Land
privilege of walking with God--walking with the WTS
CARROT--that we will see Jehovah's promises fulfilled
But you may have to be resurrected to see it.
Wickedness destroyed--translation: 6 billion plus people killed without a hope of a resurrection or necessarily a personal visit ever by a JW.--What a wonderful prospect!
CARROT--righteous new world
19 The inspired prophet Micah said of the nations of the world that they
would "walk each one in the name of its god." Then he spoke of himself and
other faithful worshippers and said: "We, for our part, shall walk in the
name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever." (Micah 4:5) If
your determination is the same as Micah's, stay close to Jehovah however
turbulent the times become. (James 4:8) May it be the heartfelt desire of
each one of us to walk with Jehovah our God now and to time indefinite, even
forever!
Name of Jehovah our God
Stay close to Jehovah
Walk with Jehovah our God
WHERE'S JESUS?
CARROT--Even forever.
Concluding Comments
The WTS is worried. Have the internet and the "apostates" had an effect? Or is it just the WTS own policies that are undermining the trust and support, financial or otherwise, the rank and file have given in the past? Without a date in view, are they getting tired of waiting, as JWs from the 50's are getting into their 80's and 90's realizing that they will not be one of the millions that will never die. For those of the anointed, it was never an issue since they have to die to receive their reward. Only that small, unique group of JWs between 1920 and today had that "hope" of being the only humans never to die.
Too many are looking for a "normal" life. That phrase was used a lot, that and "taking no note."
Normal life
Getting married
Having children
Buying a car/van
Buying a house
Going to college
Having a career
Not pioneering
Taking vacations (other than conventions)
Nice clothes
Planning for retirement
(Add yours here)
Have a good weekend, Blondie (going to see Wallace and Grommit)
Questions
1. As regards morality, what was the situation in Noah's day, and how was
Noah different?
2, 3. What fine example did Noah provide for us today?
4. What failing of Noah's contemporaries did Jesus highlight?
5. What qualities did Noah and his family need?
6. After the Flood, what situation still existed?
7. How did violence escalate in the post-Flood world?
8. How has Revelation 6:1-4 been fulfilled?
9. How does today's world compare with that existing before the Flood?
10. (a) What warning is repeatedly given in Bible prophecy? (b) What is the
only wise course today?
11. In what way do we imitate first-century Christians?
12. What happened after Jesus miraculously fed a crowd?
13, 14. What viewpoint did many betray, and how was their faith tested?
15. What right viewpoint did some of Jesus' followers have?
16. How might we be tested, and what proper viewpoint should we cultivate?
17. How can we be helped to keep walking with God?
18. (a) What do some unwisely do? (b) What kind of faith do we cultivate?
19. How does Micah describe the course of true worshippers?
How Would You Answer?
- What similarities are there between Noah's day and today?
- What course did Noah and his family follow, and how can we imitate their
faith?
- What wrong viewpoint was betrayed by some of Jesus' followers?
- What are true Christians determined to do?
