Comments You Will Not Hear at the 11-6-05 WT Study (October 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
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
"KEEP ON THE WATCH" THE HOUR OF JUDGMENT HAS ARRIVED!
"Keep on the watch ... because you do not know on what day your Lord is
coming."-MATTHEW 24:42.
Box on page 21: The information in this study article is based on the brochure
Keep on the Watch! released at the district conventions that were held around
the world during 2004/05. (Which was studied already in the book study but obviously the rank and file and not staying on the watch)
Opening Comments
This article is basically designed to get you ready for the next one on education. Invoking Jesus in the first few articles, the WTS then compares their statements to being equivalent to Jesus.'
Contrasting "people of the world" (a new way to say worldly people) with "true Christians" (which the rank and file know means only JWs but it helps them block out the teaching that all non JWs will "soon" be destroyed), the WTS develops what it means to keep on the watch.
A warning for whom--may well include individuals who were once enlightened (with WTS doctrine) but who did not keep on the watch. (1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975)
Where is your life heading--trust in God = trust in the WTS; CARROT mentioned twice.
The Hour of Judgment Has Arrived--but when does judgment start according to the "new light" about the sheep and the goats?
Do Not Lose Your Sense of Urgency--Translation: money is drying up folks; lower meeting attendance means no one there to give money. CARROT mentioned again
START OF ARTICLE
WHAT would you do if you knew that a thief was on the prowl, burglarizing homes
in your neighborhood? To protect your loved ones and your valuables, you would
keep alert, watchful. After all, a thief does not send a letter announcing when
he is coming. On the contrary, he comes stealthily and unexpectedly.
In light of this, when has the WTS predicted that Jesus would come or be present?
1874, 1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's , 1975, (1984- 70 years generation), (1994--80 years generation)
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/1874.htm
1914/1915
"...the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty', which will end in AD 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced." The Time Is At Hand, 1911 ed., p. 101.
"But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." (Zion's Watchtower, Can It Be Delayed until 1914? C. T. Russell July 15, 1894, Also in Watchtower Reprints, l894 p. 1677)
The date 1914 was changed to 1915 in later editions.
1915 Edition The Time Is At Hand wrote: "The Gentile Times prove that the present governments must all be overthrown about the close of A.D. 1915; and Parallelism above shows that this period corresponds exactly with the year A.D. 70, which witnessed the completion of the downfall of the Jewish polity."
1925
Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920 Edition, pages 89-90. As we have heretofore stated, the great jubilee cycle is due to begin in 1925. At that time the earthly phase of the kingdom shall be recognized.... Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the condition of human perfection.
http://www.geocities.com/osarsif/pro3.htm#a1925
1940's
"Receiving the gift, [the book Children] the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon." (w41, 9/15, p. 288)
1975
*** w66 10/15 p. 631 Rejoicing over "God's Sons of Liberty" Spiritual Feast ***
What about the year 1975? What is it going to mean, dear friends?' asked Brother Franz. 'Does it mean that Armageddon is going to be finished, with Satan bound, by 1975? It could! It could! All things are possible with God. Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to go down by 1975? It could. Does it mean that the attack of Gog of Magog is going to be made on Jehovah's witnesses to wipe them out, then Gog himself will be put out of action? It could. But we are not saying. All things are possible with God. But we are not saying. And don't any of you be specific in saying anything that is going to happen between now and 1975. But the big point of it all is this, dear friends: Time is short. Time is running out, no question about that.
*** w70 5/1 p. 273 An Ingathering Affecting All Mankind ***
However, Bible chronology which indicates that Adam was created in the fall of the year 4026 B.C.E. would bring us down to the year 1975 C.E. as the date marking 6,000 years of human history with yet 1,000 years to come for Christ's Kingdom rule. So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced, with only approximately six years left until the end of 6,000 years of human history. (1 Cor. 7:29) This corroborates the understanding of Jesus' words that the generation alive in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I would not pass away until the end comes.
*** w74 12/15 p. 764 Benefits and Rewards from Being Spiritually Secure ***
And now, as the critical year of 1975 enters, it may well be asked: Has the Most High God of prophecy made a name for himself? The answer is self-evident, Yes!
Only from the end of the year 1928 was the prospect opened up to the spiritual understanding of the anointed remnant of the "Israel of God" to survive the "war of the great day of God the Almighty" at Har-Magedon and enter here on earth into Jehovah's righteous new order. (See The Watch Tower under date of December 15, 1928, page 376, paragraphs 35, 36.) And now, as the year 1975 opens up, some thousands of the anointed remnant, still alive on this earth, look ahead to realizing that joyful prospect.
*** w75 5/1 p. 285 A Contrast-Missionaries with an Urgent, Lifesaving Work ***
Another speaker, F. W. Franz, the Society's vice-president, forcefully impressed on the audience the urgency of the Christian preaching work. He stressed that, according to dependable Bible chronology, 6,000 years of human history will end this coming September according to the lunar calendar. This coincides with a time when "the human species [is] about to starve itself to death," as well as its being faced with poisoning by pollution and destruction by nuclear weapons. Franz added: "There's no basis for believing that mankind, faced with what it now faces, can exist for the seventh thousand-year period" under the present system of things.
Does this mean that we know exactly when God will destroy this old system and establish a new one? Franz showed that we do not, for we do not know how short was the time interval between Adam's creation and the creation of Eve, at which point God's rest day of seven thousand years began. (Heb. 4:3, 4) But, he pointed out, "we should not think that this year of 1975 is of no significance to us," for the Bible proves that Jehovah is "the greatest chronologist" and "we have the anchor date, 1914, marking the end of the Gentile Times." So, he continued, "we are filled with anticipation for the near future, for our generation."-Matt. 24:34.
***and we know how the doctrine of the generation of 1914 ended in 1995***
2 On more than one occasion, Jesus used the ways of a thief as an illustration.
(Luke 10: 30; John 10:10) Regarding events that would occur during the time of
the end and that would lead up to his coming to execute judgment, Jesus gave
this warning: "Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day
your Lord is coming. But know one thing, that if the householder had known in
what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his
house to be broken into." (Matthew 24: 42, 43) So Jesus likened his coming to
the arrival of a thief--unexpected.
His coming or his presence?
WTS has taught that Jesus' presence began in 1874 and changed it to 1914? WTS teaches that Jesus has not "come" yet and won't until the start of the great tribulation--coming with the angels.
You do not know on what day your lord is coming--was it 1874, 1914 or yet future?
When does the separation of the sheep and goats begin per the WTS? With his presence or his coming?
3 The illustration was fitting, for the precise date of Jesus' coming would not
be known. Earlier, in the same prophecy, Jesus said: "Concerning that day and
hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the
Father." (Matthew 24:36) Jesus, therefore, urged his listeners: "Prove
yourselves ready." (Matthew 24: 44) Those heeding Jesus' warning would be ready,
conducting themselves properly, whenever he would come as Jehovah's Executional
Agent.
Precise date: here is a good development of how the WTS through Fred Franz developed the "urgency" that 1975 was a precise date.
http://www.freeminds.org/history/1975.htm
4 Some important questions arise: Is Jesus' warning only for people of the
world, or do true Christians also need to "keep on the watch"? Why is it urgent
to "keep on the watch," and what does this involve?
People of the world--all non-JWs
True Christians--only JWs
A Warning for Whom?
5 It is certainly true that the Lord's coming will be thieflike to people of the
world, who shut their ears to the warning of impending calamity. (2 Peter 3:3-7)
However, what about true Christians? The apostle Paul wrote to fellow believers:
"You yourselves know quite well that Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief
in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:2) There is no doubt in our minds that
"Jehovah's day is coming." But does that minimize the need for us to keep on the
watch? Notice that it was to his disciples that Jesus said: "At an hour that you
do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming." (Matthew 24:44) Earlier, when
urging his disciples to seek continually the Kingdom, Jesus cautioned: "Keep
ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely the Son of man is
coming." (Luke 12:31, 40) Is it not clear that Jesus had his followers in mind
when he warned: "Keep on the watch"?
Lord's coming--future date not to be confused with Christ's presence which the WTS teaches has already happened first in 1874 than adjusted to 1914; or that this coming happened or would happen in 1914, 1915, 1925, 1975.
No doubt in our minds that "Jehovah's day is coming"--or that the WTS taught it was coming in a date already gone past (1914, 1915, 1925, 1975)
His (Jesus) followers--only JWs
6 Why do we need to "keep on the watch" and "keep ready"? Jesus explained: "Two
men will be in the field: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned;
two women will be grinding at the hand mill: one will be taken along and the
other be abandoned." (Matthew 24:40, 41) Those who prove themselves ready will
be "taken along," or saved, when the ungodly world is destroyed. Others will be
"abandoned" to destruction because they have been selfishly pursuing their own
way of life. These may well include individuals who were once enlightened but
who did not keep on the watch.
Those who prove themselves ready--only JWs
*** 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.
Ungodly world is destroyed--all 6 billion plus non-JWs including women and children whether they receive a personal witness or not.
Selfishly pursuing their own way of life--spending their money on homes, cars, EDUCATION, vacations, instead of donating to the WTS.
Individuals once enlightened--apostates and inactive JWs
7 Not knowing the exact day of the end of this old system gives us the
opportunity to demonstrate that we serve God out of a pure motive. How so? It
may be that the end seems to be a long time in arriving. Sad to say, some
Christians who feel this way have allowed their zeal for Jehovah's service to
cool off. Yet, by our dedication, we have without reservation presented
ourselves to Jehovah to serve him. Those who know Jehovah realize that a
last-minute display of zeal will not impress him. He sees what is in the heart.
-1 Samuel 16:7.
Exact day--I remember a sister who said that she did not know the day or the hour only the year that Armaggeddon was coming, and she was quite serious.
Demonstrate that we serve God out of a pure motive--as if JWs didn't rush to do what was "right" when they thought the end was coming in 1974
Kingdom Ministry, May 1974, p. 3
"By carefully and prayerfully examining our own circumstances, we also may find that we can spend more time and energy in preaching during this final period before the present system ends. Many of our brothers and sisters are doing just that. This is evident from the rapidly increasing number of pioneers. Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end. 1 John 2:17. Circumstances such as poor health or responsibilities in connection with your family may limit what you can do in the field ministry. And yet, the pioneer ranks include many who have health limitations, as well as some persons with families. But these brothers and sisters are able to regulate their lives so that they can care for their responsibilities and still put in the 1,200 hours a year, an average of 100 hours a month in the field ministry, required of pioneers."
End seems to be a long time in arriving--WTS said it was coming in 1975 or that it was an appropriate time; then backed off and blamed the rank and file; now with the end of the 1914 generation teaching, what does VERY SOON NOW really mean?
Some Christians--only JWs
Allowed their zeal for Jehovah's service--what happened to following in Christ's footsteps from last week? Major cause per the WTS--EDUCATION
Cool off--meeting attendance, hours spent in placing WT publications, and donations to the WTS have cooled off
Last minute display of zeal--like in 1974?
He sees what is in our hearts--that's correct not any human can do that and judge what is our best, whether we are zealous or not.
8 Because we truly love Jehovah, we find the greatest delight in doing his will.
(Psalm 40:8; Matthew 26:39) And we want to serve Jehovah forever. That prospect
is not less precious just because we must wait a little longer than we may have
expected. Above all, we keep on the watch because we eagerly anticipate what
Jehovah's day will mean for the accomplishment of his purpose. Our earnest
desire to please God moves us to apply the counsel of his Word and give his
Kingdom first place in our life. (Matthew 6:33; 1 John 5:3) Let us consider how
keeping on the watch should influence the decisions we make and the way we live
our life each day.
Love Jehovah--where is the love for Jesus? Aren't JWs Christians?
Wait a little longer than we may have expected--longer than the WTS has expected
Eagerly anticipate what Jehovah's day will mean--the eternal destruction of every non-JW on earth, men, women and children, whether they have heard of JWs or not.
Please God--does not equal pleasing WTS/FDS/GB.
Counsel of his Word--does not equal WTS publications or verbal directions from their earthly representatives
Influence the decisions we make--not doing things the WTS way in regard to money, EDUCATION, recreation.
Where Is Your Life Heading?
9 Many people today recognize that serious problems and shocking events have
become everyday occurrences, and they may not be pleased with the direction that
their own life is taking. However, do they know the real meaning of world
conditions? Do they realize that we are living in "the conclusion of the system
of things"? (Matthew 24:3) Do they recognize that the prevalence of selfish,
violent, even ungodly attitudes marks these times as "the last days"? (2 Timothy
3:1-5) There is an urgent need for them to wake up to the significance of all of
this and to consider the way their life is heading.
Serious problems...shocking events...everyday occurrences...conclusion of the system of things...ungodly attitudes...marks...the last days...need for them to wake up (a quick WTS way to "prove" this)
Translation per the WTS: The WTS will tell you where you are heading through the elders and other "mature ones" in the congregation.
Selfish, violent, even ungodly attitudes--found in EDUCATION
10 What about us? Every day we face decisions that involve our employment, our
health, our family, and our worship. We know what the Bible says, and we
endeavor to apply it. Therefore, we do well to ask ourselves: `Have I allowed
the anxieties of life to push me off course? Am I letting the world's
philosophies, its thinking, determine the choices I make?' (Luke 21:34-36;
Colossians 2:8) We need to continue to demonstrate that we trust in Jehovah with
all our heart and not lean upon our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) In that
way, we will keep "a firm hold on the real life"-eternal life in God's new
world.-1 Timothy 6:12,19.
Blurb on page 23: Jesus likened his coming to the arrival of a thief
Employment, our health, our family, our worship, our EDUCATION
Anxieties of life...world's philosophies (because of university EDUCATION)
Demonstrate that we trust in Jehovah--Trust in the WTS..not worldly EDUCATION. Where's Jesus?
CARROT: Eternal life in God's new world (on which only JWs will live).
11 The Bible contains many warning examples that can help us to keep on the
watch. Consider what happened in Noah's day. Well in advance, God saw to it that
warning was given. But apart from Noah and his household, people took no note.
(2 Peter 2:5) Regarding this, Jesus said: "Just as the days of Noah were, so the
presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the
flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage,
until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the
flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be."
(Matthew 24:37-39) What can we learn from that? If any of us are allowing
mundane concerns--even the normal activities of life-to crowd out the spiritual
activities that God urges us to keep in first place, we need to think seriously
about our situation.-Romans 14:17.
Warning examples--OT--Noah, he and his family the only JWs on earth per WTS
People took no note--all non-JWs died
Mundane concerns...even the normal activities of life...crowd out spiritual (WTS meetings, placing WTS literature) activities--EDUCATION
God urges us to keep in first place--how many meetings did Jesus command his followers to go to? How many hours/publications?
12 Think, too, about the days of Lot. The city of Sodom, where Lot and his
family lived, was materially prosperous but morally bankrupt. Jehovah sent his
angels to bring the place to ruin. The angels urged Lot and his family to flee
from Sodom and not to look back. Encouraged by the angels, they did leave the
city. Lot's wife, however, evidently could not let go of her feelings for her
home in Sodom. Disobediently, she looked back, and for this she paid with her
life. (Genesis 19:15-26) Prophetically, Jesus warned: "Remember the wife if
Lot." Are we acting on that warning? -Luke 17:32.
Warning examples--OT--Lot and his family
Materially prosperous but morally bankrupt--does that mean that any JW who is materially prosperous is morally bankrupt? EDUCATION--desire to materially prosperous.
Lot's wife...evidently--here the WTS adds to the Bible account reading her heart and knowing that she "could not let go of her feelings for her home in Sodom."
Paid with her life--dying eternally without a hope of a resurrection based on the WTS doctrine that none destroyed in Sodom and Gomorrah will be resurrected.
Of course the daughters getting Lot to have sex with him was not an eternal destruction type of sin.
13 Those who heeded divine warnings were spared. That was true of Noah and his
family and of Lot and his daughters. (2 Peter 2:9) As we take to heart the
warning in these examples, we are also encouraged by the message of deliverance
contained therein for lovers of righteousness. That fills our heart with
confident expectation of the fulfillment of God's promise of "new heavens and a
new earth" in which "righteousness is to dwell."-2 Peter 3:13.
Those who heeded divine warnings were spared--those who heed the warnings given by the WTS will be spared; but they WTS does not have to warn everyone.
Confident expectation--of God's promise or the WTS?
`The Hour of the Judgment Has Arrived'!
14 As we keep on the watch, what can we expect? The book of Revelation outlines
progressive steps in the fulfillment of God's purpose. Acting on what it says is
vital if we are to prove ourselves ready. The prophecy vividly describes events
that would occur in "the Lord's day," which began when Christ was enthroned in
heaven in 1914. (Revelation 1: 10) Revelation alerts us to an angel who has been
entrusted with "everlasting good news to declare." He proclaims in a loud voice:
"Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has
arrived." (Revelation 14:6, 7) That "hour" of judgment is a brief period; it
includes both the pronouncement and the execution of the judgments that are
depicted in that prophecy. We are now living in that period.
Progressive steps---always forward moving? Consider these back and forth doctrines.
1879-1929 Superior authorities--secular authorities
1929-1962 Superior authorities--God and Jesus
1962-2005 Superior authorities--secular authorities
Until 1967 Organ transplants--individual choice based on conscience
1967-1980 Organ transplants--cannabilism punishable to disfellowshipping
1980-2005 Organ transplants--individual choice based on conscience
Will people of Sodom and Gomorrah be resurrected?
Watchtower 1879 July 1 page 8 WILL BE
Watchtower 1952 June 1 p.338WILL NOT BE
Watchtower 1965 August 1 p.479 Questions from Readers WILL BE
Live Forever (1982 edition) pp.178-180 WILL BE
Insight Volume 2 (1988) p.984WILL BE
Watchtower 1988 June 1 p.30-31 Questions from Readers WILL NOT BE
Kingdom Ministry December 1989 p.7 Announcements ***• Some adjustments will be made in future printings of the Live Forever book. The only significant change is with regard to the Sodomites, on pages 178 and 179. This change appeared in the Revelation book, page 273, and in The Watchtower of June 1, 1988, pages 30 and 31. You may wish to note it in earlier printings that you have on hand.
Live Forever (1989 edition) pp.178-180 WILL NOT BE
http://quotes.watchtower.ca/sodom_gomorrah.htm
"Is Rape Fornication If the Woman Does Not Scream?"
http://www.freeminds.org/psych/rape.htm
The answer, according to the WTS at various times, has been:
YES WT 1/15/64 p.63 WT 6/1/68 p.347
NO (inferred) 1969, 1971 Aid to Bible Understanding, p. 1371+, 601
YES Awake! 3/8/74 p.14
NO (inferred) Awake! 7/8/80 p.5,6
YES WT 10/15/80 p.7
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/apl/jw/rape.txt
NO WT 3-15-83 p.30
YES Awake! 2-22-84 p.2
YES 2-22-84 p. 25
NO Awake! 6-8-84 p. 28
YES (inferred) Awake! 5-22-86 p. 23
NO Awake! 9-22-86 p. 28
NO Awake! 3-8-93 p. 5
Lord's day...began when Christ was enthroned in heaven in 1914--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.
"Hour" of judgment is a brief period--which began in either 1874 or 1914
We are now living in that period--PROOF?
15 Now, before the hour of judgment concludes, we are urged: "Fear God and give
him glory." What does this involve? Proper fear of God should cause us to turn
away from badness. (Proverbs 8:13) If we honor God, we will listen to him with
deep respect. We will not be too busy to read his Word, the Bible, regularly. We
will not minimize his counsel to attend Christian meetings. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
We will cherish the privilege of proclaiming the good news of God's Messianic
Kingdom and will do so zealously. We will trust in Jehovah at all times and with
our whole heart. (Psalm 62:8) Recognizing that Jehovah is the Universal
Sovereign, we honor him by willingly submitting to him as the Sovereign of our
life. Do you truly fear God and give him glory in all such ways?
Has the hour of judgment begun or is it yet to begin?
*** w81 1/15 p. 15 Is God's Day of Vengeance Near? ***
As that hour of judgment approaches, how is God expressing his love? In this way: to all sincere Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Hindus-to people of all false religions who want to become God's people-God extends the urgent invitation recorded in Revelation 18:4, 5: "Get out of [Babylon the Great], my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind."
If we honor God, we listen to him (WTS) with deep respect and not pursue higher EDUCATION.
*** w02 6/15 p. 24 Famine Relief on the Way! ***
Drawing on the example of Naomi and Ruth, the speaker encouraged the graduates to have full confidence in the arrangements that God's earthly organization has put in place and to respect theocratic authority.
*** w90 5/15 p. 29 Remember Your Grand Creator in Your Youth ***
And if you want them to develop deep respect for Jehovah's organization and the elders, then you should always have such a healthy attitude yourself.
Read his Word, the Bible, regularly--which can only be understood with the aid of WTS publications.
*** w88 11/15 p. 32 A Message for Today ***
It can't be emphasized enough as to how necessary your publications are for a better understanding of the Bible.
*** w81 3/1 p. 7 Can You Be Contented with Your Lot in Life? ***
Do not neglect the reading of the Bible and publications that are designed to help you to understand it better.
*** 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.
We will not minimize his (WTS) counsel to attend Christian meetings.
*** w80 11/1 p. 31 Questions from Readers ***
Failure to heed the command to attend Christian meetings is serious and could lead to disastrous consequences for a servant of Jehovah. However, more is involved in committing the unforgivable sin.
Privilege of proclaiming the good news of God's Messianic Kingdom--doing so rarely saying "Jesus" "Christ" "Kingdom" or even "Jehovah" so that the average householder thinks JWs are non-Christians, will not salute the flag and would rather die than take a blood transfusion.
Trust in Jehovah (WTS) at all times
*** w87 2/1 p. 30 Attend the 1987 "Trust in Jehovah" District Convention ***
The purpose of all the features of the program, we may be sure, will be to strengthen our trust in Jehovah as well as in the visible organization he is using at the present time.
Recognizing that Jehovah is the Universal Sovereign--who acts only through the WTS
Submitting to Jehovah = submitting to the WTS
*** w94 1/15 pp. 16-17 Shepherds and Sheep in a Theocracy ***
In the past, Jehovah ruled and revealed truths through individuals, such as prophets, kings, and apostles. Today, that is no longer the case; there are no inspired prophets or apostles. Rather, Jesus said that during his royal presence, he would identify a faithful body of followers, a "faithful and discreet slave," and would appoint it over all his belongings. (Matthew 24:45-47; Isaiah 43:10) In 1919 that slave was identified as the remnant of anointed Christians. Since then, as represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, it has been the center of theocracy on earth. Around the world, the Governing Body is represented by Branch Committees, traveling overseers, and congregation elders. Cooperation with theocratic organization is a vital part of submitting to theocracy.
16 Revelation chapter 14 goes on to describe further events that are to take
place in the hour of judgment. Babylon the Great, the world empire of false
religion, is mentioned first: "Another, a second angel, followed, saying: `She
has fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen!"' (Revelation 14:8) Yes, from God's
viewpoint, Babylon the Great has already fallen. In 1919, Jehovah's anointed
servants were set free from the bondage of Babylonish doctrines and practices,
which have dominated peoples and nations for millenniums. (Revelation 17:1, 15)
They could henceforth devote themselves to promoting true worship. Global
preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom has taken place since then.-Matthew
24:14.
http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/images/scarlet.jpg
Babylon the Great, the world of empire of false religion--every religion except the WTS
Fallen...1919, Jehovah's anointed...set free from the bondage of Babylonish doctrines and practices
Except: Use of the cross until 1936, celebrating birthdays and Christmas until 1926, use of pyramidology to determine Bible chronology and prophecies
Global preaching--except for 99.99% of China, Islamic countries, India, etc. But then the WTS doesn't expect to reach every individual for them to be destroyed forever at Armageddon.
** w00 1/15 p. 13 "Keep on the Watch" ***
Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah's satisfaction. Then the end will come.-Compare Matthew 10:23.
*** w94 2/15 p. 7 Are Jehovah's Witnesses a Cult? ***
How many religions have an organized system to pay personal visits to every individual in their community? Jehovah's Witnesses do this in more than 200 lands and in more than 200 languages!
17 That is not all there is to God's judgment against Babylon the Great. Her
final destruction is soon to come. (Revelation 18:21) With good reason, the
Bible urges people everywhere: "Get out of her [Babylon the Great] ... if you do
not want to share with her in her sins." (Revelation 18:4, 5) How do we get out
of Babylon the Great? This involves more than just severing any ties with false
religion. Babylonish influence is present in many popular celebrations and
customs, in the world's permissive attitude toward sex, in the promoting of
entertainment involving spiritism, and much more. To keep on the watch, it is
vital that both in our actions and in the desires of our heart, we give evidence
that we are truly separate from Babylon the Great in every way.
Blurb on page 24: The destruction of Babylon the Great is near
Her final destruction is soon to come--destroying every person in all religions, women and children, who are not JWs.
*** 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.
More than just severing any times with false religion...attitude toward sex, in promoting entertainment involving spiritism
Notice how the WTS does not zero in on any one religion or any specific attitude, custom or what spiritism involves? That is how ridiculous statements about Smurfs get started.
Strain out the gnat of Smurfs and gulp down the camel of protecting pedophiles in the congregation.
That is why many elders will check your CDs, videos, DVDs, etc, for anything they think smacks of spiritism while they go home and put on the Lion King for their kids.
18 At Revelation 14:9, 10, a further aspect of `the hour of judgment' is
described. Another angel says: "If anyone worships the wild beast and its image,
and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he will also drink of the
wine of the anger of God." Why? "The wild beast and its image" are symbols of
human rulership, which does not acknowledge Jehovah's sovereignty. Alert
Christians are careful not to allow themselves to be influenced or to be marked,
in either attitude or action, as being in servitude to those who refuse to
acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of the true God, Jehovah. Christians know
that God's Kingdom has already been set up in heaven, that it will put an end to
all human rulerships, and that it will stand forever. -Daniel 2:44.
Blurb on page 25: Let us be resolved to preach with ever greater zeal and
determination
Anyone who worships the wild beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead...drink of the wone of the anger of God...symbols of human rulership
Why does the WTS sidestep that the "image" is the UN?
What rulership does "acknowledge Jehovah's sovereignty"? The US, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Canada, etc.? No, all those countries and every country on the face of the earth are part of the "wild beast" per the WTS.
God's Kingdom has already been set up in heaven, that it will put an end to
all human rulerships
*** w02 4/1 p. 3 Should Faith Be Based on Reason? ***
A pollster even went so far as to describe the United States as "a nation of biblical illiterates." To be fair, these observations would also be true of other countries where so-called Christianity prevails.
*** w85 2/1 p. 12 Who Can Read the "Sign" Aright? ***
True to this prophecy, the dedicated "people" who followed in Jesus' footsteps and recognized the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 offered themselves willingly to serve as announcers of the newly begun rule of Jehovah God in heavenly Zion by means of the Lord Jesus Christ. But the so-called Christian nations did not submit willingly to Jehovah's newly enthroned King. Actually, they proved to be his "enemies," for they engaged in the first world war of human history over the issue of world domination.
Image of the Wild Beast
*** w01 11/15 p. 19 Jehovah Is Our Refuge ***
Whether our hope is heavenly or earthly, we are no part of the world, and we are not infected by such spiritually deadly plagues as its immorality, materialism, false religion, and worship of "the wild beast" and its "image," the United Nations.
*** Isaiah Prophecy-1 chap. 12 p. 153 Do Not Be Afraid of the Assyrian ***
Whom will Jehovah use to discipline rebellious Christendom? We find the answer in the 17th chapter of Revelation. There we are introduced to a harlot, "Babylon the Great," representing all the world's false religions, including Christendom. The harlot is riding a scarlet-colored wild beast that has seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:3, 5, 7-12) The wild beast represents the United Nations organization. Just as the ancient Assyrian destroyed Samaria, the scarlet-colored wild beast "will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire." (Revelation 17:16) Thus the modern-day Assyrian (nations associated with the UN) will deal Christendom a mighty blow and will crush her out of existence.
Alert Christians--only JWs
Attitude or action, as being in servitude--does that mean JWs can vote or not? Or that the WTS can become associated with the UN as a nongovernmental organization NGO), making yearly applications from 1991 to 2001 (whose wording did not change), with a respected member of Bethel reading and signing the application? With the requirement being that the NGO support the UN's charter and goals?
VOTING
*** w99 11/1 p. 29 Questions From Readers ***
What if a Christian woman's unbelieving husband insists that she present herself to vote? Well, she is subject to her husband, just as Christians are subject to the superior authorities. (Ephesians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:13-17) If she obeys her husband and goes to the polling booth, that is her personal decision. No one should criticize her.-Compare Romans 14:4.
What of a country where voting is not mandated by law but feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth-perhaps they are exposed to physical danger? Or what if individuals, while not legally obliged to vote, are severely penalized in some way if they do not go to the polling booth? In these and similar situations, a Christian has to make his own decision. "Each one will carry his own load."-Galatians 6:5.
There may be people who are stumbled when they observe that during an election in their country, some Witnesses of Jehovah go to the polling booth and others do not. They may say, 'Jehovah's Witnesses are not consistent.' People should recognize, though, that in matters of individual conscience such as this, each Christian has to make his own decision before Jehovah God.-Romans 14:12.
Additional reading:
http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/voting2.htm
**The question that is not answered is if an JW votes and is unrepentant will he/she be viewed as having disassociated themselves as they would be if they joined a political organization?****That question is answered only in a book made available to JW elders.
Participating in politics, and particularly voting, has been classified as a sin that makes one worthy of disfellowhipping. ( Pay Attention to Yourselves and All the Flock, 1977 p. 57-59.)
WTS--UN--NGO
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
UN Charter
http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/preamble.htm
to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest
Do Not Lose Your Sense of Urgency!
19 As we get deeper into the last days, pressures and temptations will only
intensify. As long as we are living in this old system and are plagued by our
own imperfection, we are affected by such things as poor health, old age, the
loss of loved ones, hurt feelings, disappointment in the face of apathy toward
our efforts to preach God's Word, and much more. Never forget that Satan would
like nothing better than to exploit the pressures we face to induce us to give
up-to stop preaching the good news or to quit living by God's standards.
(Ephesians 6:11-13) This is not the time to lose our sense of urgency regarding
the times in which we live!
Deeper into the last days--last days meant to end in 1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975, (1984), (1994), 1995--unhooked from the 1914 generation.
Pressures and temptations--ADVANCED EDUCATION
Poor health, old age, the loss of loved ones--all because the end has been 126 years in coming
Hurt feelings, disappointment--because of the unfulfilled promises of the WTS as to when that end was coming
Apathy--towards a message that the rank and file JWs are finding it harder and harder to believe it comes from God
Preach God's Word--In reality preach the WTS word in its publication. Note in the 2 pictures on page 25, neither JW has a Bible in hand or in sight, just the "food from the slave."
Quit living by God's standards--WTS standards such as not allowing beards on men, suitcoats on the platform, hemlines above the knee, 2 piercings in each earlobe, ADVANCED EDUCATION
Christians--only JWs
Know that God's Kingdom has already been set up in heaven--but was it set up in 1878 or 1914?
Lose our sense of urgency--ADVANCED EDUCATION
20 Jesus knew that we would be under much pressure to give up, so he counseled
us: "Keep on the watch ... because you do not know on what day your Lord is
coming." (Matthew 24:42) Let us, then, keep ever alert to where we are in the
stream of time. Let us be on guard against Satan's ploys that could cause us to
slow down or quit. Let us be resolved to preach the good news of God's Kingdom
with ever greater zeal and determination. By all means, let us keep our sense of
urgency as we heed Jesus' warning: "Keep on the watch." Doing so, we will bring
honor to Jehovah and will be among those in line for his eternal blessings.
You do not know what day your Lord is coming--but the WTS has consistently said when the year was, 1914, 1915, 1925, 1940's, 1975....
Satan's ploys that could cause us to slow down or quit--ADVANCED EDUCATION
Preach the good news of God's kingdom--not good news for the 6 billion plus, including women and children, who the WTS looks forward to being exterminated permanently from the face of the earth without all receiving an individual witness.
CARROT--Eternal blessings
WHERE WAS JESUS IN THIS ARTICLE?
Concluding Comments
Unexpectedly--If the scriptures say that no one knows the day or the hour, why has the WTS since 1879 tried to predict when Jesus would come or be present?
If the WTS has proved to be so unreliable so many times in the past, why should the rank and file believe that following their "suggestions" on advanced education would prove to be any less disastrous.
Was this year's drama on Timothy, his friends and his decisions on education based on the Bible or the imagination of the WTS writers?
We are still pulling out onions, carrots, and making horseradish from the garden. Keep enjoying yourselves, even in small ways.
Love, Blondie
How Would You Answer?
- How do we know that Jesus' warning to "keep on the watch" applies to true
Christians?
- What warning examples in the Bible can help us to "keep on the watch"?
- What is the hour of judgment, and what are we urged to do before it concludes?
Questions
1, 2. To what did Jesus fittingly liken his coming?
3, 4. (a) What is involved in heeding Jesus' warning about his coming? (b) What
questions arise?
5. How do we know that the warning to "keep on the watch" applies to true
Christians?
6. Why do we need to "keep on the watch"?
7. What does not knowing when the end will come allow us to do?
8. How does love for Jehovah move us to keep on the watch?
9. Why is there an urgent need for people of the world to wake up to the
significance of our times?
10. What must we do to be sure that we are keeping on the watch?
11-13. What can we learn from the examples of what happened (a) in the days of
Noah? (b) in the days of Lot?
14, 15. (a) What does "the hour" of judgment include? (b) What is involved in
`fearing God and giving him glory'?
16. Why can we say that the judgment against Babylon the Great stated at
Revelation 14:8 has already been fulfilled?
17. What is involved in getting out of Babylon the Great?
18. In view of what is described at Revelation 14:9, 10, what are alert
Christians careful to avoid?
19, 20. (a) As we get deeper into the last days, what can we be certain that
Satan will try to do? (b) What should we be determined to do?